Lakers Guard Gabe Vincent Set for Saturday Practice, Could Rejoin Lineup During Upcoming Road Trip
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent is scheduled to participate in a modified practice on Saturday as he works his way back from a lower back injury, head coach JJ Redick said on Friday.
Redick confirmed that Vincent will remain sidelined for Sunday’s home game against the Memphis Grizzlies but could suit up during the team’s three-game trip that begins next week. “Hoping to practice tomorrow. Will be modified,” Redick told reporters. “He won’t be available Sunday and we’re hoping he’s available for one of the games on the road trip. But again, we gotta get him exposure to live play, and with the travel day on Monday, that’s gonna be tough.”
After facing Memphis, Los Angeles travels for a back-to-back against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday and the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. The compressed schedule makes Wednesday’s meeting with San Antonio the most plausible target for Vincent’s return.
Vincent, 29, has already missed significant time this season with ankle and back issues, preventing him from establishing a rhythm with a roster that features newcomers and returning veterans. In his absence, Redick has expanded minutes for rookie guard Nick Smith Jr. and wing Dalton Knecht.
The Lakers have handled injuries cautiously, so Vincent is expected to be on a minutes limit whenever he rejoins the rotation. Even limited action would bolster a bench that needs additional perimeter defense and outside shooting.
Source: LakersNation
