Lakers Guard Gabe Vincent Sidelined 2–4 Weeks With Sprained Ankle
lakers-gabe-vincent-out-2-4-weeks-ankle-sprain
Los Angeles — The Los Angeles Lakers expect guard Gabe Vincent to miss two to four weeks after an MRI on Monday confirmed a sprained left ankle, according to sources.
Vincent was hurt early in the third quarter of Sunday’s 127–120 victory over the Sacramento Kings. He departed Golden 1 Center in a walking boot, and post-game X-rays were negative. The 29-year-old showed up to Crypto.com Arena on crutches for Monday’s matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Vincent had started the Lakers’ first three games this season while LeBron James sits out with sciatica affecting his lower back and right side. During the preseason, the former undrafted guard averaged 16.3 points on 47.4% shooting, including 55.6% from three-point range, along with 3.0 assists and 1.0 rebound over four contests.
Los Angeles entered Monday’s game severely short-handed. Marcus Smart (right quad contusion), Luka Doncic (left finger sprain and lower left leg contusion), Jaxson Hayes (left patellar tendinopathy), Maxi Kleber (abdominal strain) and rookie Adou Thiero (left knee surgery recovery) were all unavailable. With James and Doncic sidelined, Austin Reaves erupted for a career-best 51 points against Sacramento.
“We’re not expecting Austin to go out and score 51 again,” head coach JJ Redick said before facing Portland. “I don’t expect anybody to do more than they’re capable of doing. What we challenged the guys on before the game was playing with an edge.”
Against the Trail Blazers, the Lakers had seven full-time players plus three two-way contracts active. Redick rolled out his third different starting lineup in four games: Reaves, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia.
Source: ESPN
