The NBA offseason is always a time of excitement and uncertainty, as teams look to make moves to improve their rosters and contend for a championship. For the Los Angeles Lakers, last offseason was no exception. After a disappointing 2021-2022 season, the Lakers were looking to shake things up and bring in some fresh talent.
One of the most significant moves the Lakers made was signing Gabe Vincent to a two-year, $22 million contract. At the time, the signing was met with some skepticism. Vincent was a relatively unknown player outside of Miami, where he had spent the previous three seasons playing for the Heat.
However, the Lakers saw something in Vincent that they believed would make him a valuable addition to their team. They were impressed by his toughness, his competitiveness, and his ability to make big shots. And as it turns out, their faith in Vincent has been rewarded in a big way.
Vincent’s breakout season has been one of the biggest surprises of the year. He’s averaging 10.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, while shooting a career-high 45.6% from the field and 40.8% from three-point range. He’s been a sparkplug off the bench, providing a much-needed scoring punch and helping to stabilize the Lakers’ second unit.
But Vincent’s impact goes beyond the numbers. He’s brought a level of toughness and competitiveness to the Lakers’ lineup that has been missing in recent years. He’s often drawn the assignment of guarding the opposing team’s best player, and he’s risen to the challenge time and time again.
“Gabe has been a game-changer for us,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said. “He’s brought a level of energy and enthusiasm to our team that’s infectious. He’s a true professional and a winner, and we’re lucky to have him on our roster.”
Vincent’s success has also been a testament to the Lakers’ front office, who identified him as a key target in free agency. The signing was seen as a low-risk, high-reward move at the time, but it’s clear now that Vincent is worth every penny of his $22 million contract.
As the Lakers continue to push for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, Vincent’s contributions will be crucial. He’s proven himself to be a reliable and clutch performer, and his chemistry with stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis is growing by the game.
The Lakers’ gamble on Gabe Vincent has paid off in a big way, and it’s clear that he’s here to stay. As one of the most underrated players in the league, Vincent is finally getting the recognition he deserves. And for the Lakers, it’s a signing that’s looking more and more like a steal.
