Luka Doncic Welcomes Gabe Vincent to Lakers’ Expected Starting Five
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The Los Angeles Lakers appear set to open the season Tuesday night against the Golden State Warriors with guard Gabe Vincent joining Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes in the first unit, head coach JJ Redick said over the weekend. LeBron James remains sidelined, leaving a vacancy Redick is filling with Vincent after the 29-year-old impressed throughout the preseason.
Doncic endorsed the move following the Lakers’ preseason finale, citing Vincent’s perimeter accuracy and defensive pressure. “I always like playing with Gabe,” he said. “His shooting helps me a lot. He knocked down four of five threes tonight, so when he’s hot we have to keep feeding him. He also brings defensive intensity that’s really important for us.”
Vincent missed most of his first season in Los Angeles because of injury and spent part of last year regaining form. A healthy offseason translated into consistent production this fall, highlighted by long-range shooting that addresses the spacing Doncic prefers and on-ball defense the roster needs.
Redick echoed Doncic’s praise, noting Vincent’s work on both ends of the court. “He’s been fantastic,” the coach said. “With the ball in his hands he creates advantages, and his movement early in possessions and in half-court sets has been really good. He’s pushing himself to stay in great shape so he can sustain that.”
Whether Vincent remains a starter once James returns is undecided, but Redick indicated the guard’s role will be significant when the Lakers tip off the regular season at Crypto.com Arena.
Source: LakersNation.com
