The Los Angeles Lakers have ruled Gabe Vincent out of Tuesday night’s contest against the New Orleans Pelicans due to a lumbar back strain, the team announced. The guard had been listed as questionable earlier in the day.
This marks the ninth straight game Vincent will miss. He has not played since the Lakers’ 123-118 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Dec. 14. Earlier this season, an ankle injury sidelined him for 10 games, making this his second extended absence of the campaign.
Vincent participated in practice over the weekend, and the organization remains hopeful he can return during the current two-game trip. Los Angeles travels to San Antonio to face the Spurs on Wednesday in the second half of a back-to-back, presenting a potential opportunity for his return.
Head coach JJ Redick’s backcourt depth is already stretched thin. Austin Reaves (calf) and rookie Adou Thiero (MCL sprain) remain unavailable, pushing Marcus Smart into the starting lineup. Two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. has become the primary reserve, while Dalton Knecht has received additional minutes in recent outings.
The injury list extends beyond the perimeter. Forward Rui Hachimura (calf) did not make the trip, leaving the Lakers increasingly reliant on Luka Doncic and LeBron James for offensive production. Forwards Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt have taken on larger roles in recent games.
Despite the depleted roster, Redick said the team showed progress in its previous game by involving center Deandre Ayton more consistently on offense, an adjustment he hopes to maintain while waiting for injured players to return.
Source: Lakers Nation
