URGENT UPDATE: Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent is set to miss two to four weeks due to a sprained left ankle, confirmed by sources to ESPN. The injury occurred during the third quarter of L.A.’s 127-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.
Vincent underwent an MRI on Monday, following which he left the arena in a walking boot. He assured ESPN that X-rays taken post-game returned negative. Arriving at Crypto.com Arena on crutches for the game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Vincent’s absence is a significant blow to the team.
At 29 years old, Vincent started the Lakers’ first three games of the season, stepping in for superstar LeBron James, who is also sidelined with sciatica affecting his lower back and right side. Vincent earned his starting position after a stellar preseason, averaging 16.3 points on 47.4% shooting, including 55.6% from beyond the arc, along with 3.0 assists and 1.0 rebounds over four games.
The Lakers are grappling with a roster depleted by injuries. Alongside Vincent and James, key players including Marcus Smart, who stepped in for Luka Doncic in Sacramento, are also unavailable due to a right quad contusion. Doncic is missing his second consecutive game due to a left finger sprain and lower left leg contusion, while teammate Jaxson Hayes is out with left patellar tendinopathy. Additionally, Maxi Kleber (abdominal muscle strain) and rookie Adou Thiero (recovering from left knee surgery) have yet to make an appearance this season.
In light of these challenges, Austin Reaves delivered an explosive performance, scoring a career-high 51 points against the Kings. Lakers coach JJ Redick remarked, “We’re not expecting Austin to go out and score 51 again. What we challenged the guys on before the game was playing with an edge.”
On Monday, the Lakers faced the Blazers with only seven full-time players available, supplemented by three on two-way contracts. The starting lineup included Reaves, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jake LaRavia, marking the third different starting formation in just four games.
The Lakers’ immediate future hinges on the recovery of Vincent and James, as the team navigates through a challenging stretch of the season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how L.A. adapts and who rises to the occasion in their absence.
