Lakers 2024-2025 Player Preview: Gabe Vincent

After a disappointing first year in the Purple and Gold, Lakers’ veteran point guard Gabe Vincent will look to have a bounce-back season in 2024-2025.

When the Lakers signed Vincent to a three-year, $33 million deal during the 2023 offseason, they were hoping to get the same spark that he provided for Miami in the playoffs, where he averaged 13/1/4 while shooting 37% from downtown. 

Unfortunately, the Vincent train went off the rails fast last season. Multiple knee injuries limited him to just 11 games on the year, making it tough for him to get into a rhythm. Vincent finished with a stat line of just 3/1/2 and had career lows from the field (30%) and from three (10%). 

Vincent’s revival will be crucial for the Lakers’ playoff hopes, as they could benefit greatly from a viable sixth man who can lead the bench unit while occasionally subbing in for D’Angelo Russell with the starters. Here are the main aspects of Vincent’s game to keep an eye on in 2024. 

“I think what I bring is what I brought last year.

I can defense make the open shot and make the right play.”

— Gabe Vincent#LakeShow

— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) September 30, 2024

On-Ball Defense

When Vincent is at his best, there is a lot to like from him on the defensive side of the ball. He is scrappy at the point of attack and is one of the best on the roster at navigating screens. He also shows good physicality for his size, as he isn’t a complete disaster if he is switched onto a bigger opponent. 

Vincent’s defensive prowess has already been on full display during the preseason, as he has been ultra-aggressive guarding screens and fighting to knock the ball loose. 

Perimeter defense has not been a strong suit for the Lakers these past couple of years, as the team’s “glue guy” is typically Jared Vanderbilt, who has also had his own struggles staying on the court. Adding another versatile defender into the mix would help open things up for the Showtime Lakers. 

GABE VINCENT TONIGHT
👌 15 minutes
👌 11 points
👌 1 steal
👌 4/6 FG
👌 2/4 3PT

7️⃣ GOT HIS JUMPER BACK 🥹 pic.twitter.com/MQAkEr65eo

— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) October 5, 2024

Scoring Off the Bench

When Vincent was last fully healthy, he produced six 20-point games during the Miami Heat’s finals run. He displayed a versatile skillset, finishing well in the paint while also producing solid numbers from beyond the arc. 

Despite the injury struggles and overall inconsistencies last season, the high-end scoring upside off of the bench is very clearly there. Now that he has had the entire offseason to heal, train, and improve, there is hope that he will not carry over his inconsistencies from 2023-2024. 

Notably, Vincent is already off to a solid start this year in the preseason, including an 11-point performance in which he went 2/4 from three and had a contested finish at the basket. If Vincent can maintain his preseason efficiency during the regular season, then the Lakers’ bench will be much more formidable than initially expected.

Final Expectations

Vincent’s two-way ability figures to be the missing piece to the puzzle for the bench. Last season, the unit lacked a true veteran leader at point guard, and it will be led again by young players such as Max Christie and Dalton Knecht, who are still perfecting their craft. 

Look for Vincent to put up a solid 10/3/1 type of season with a respectable amount of three-pointers and steals. There is room for even more production, as D’Angelo Russell’s injury history suggests that Vincent will play several games with the starters. As a result, the Lakers should be much more efficient for all 48 minutes.