The Los Angeles Lakers need Gabe Vincent to step up with Austin Reaves out with a calf strain, but the veteran guard has failed to give fans hope over the last three years. He came to LA after being a starter on the Heat’s 2023 NBA Finals team, but the Lakers have never seen that Vincent. The 29-year-old has shot under 40 percent and has the front office exploring avenues to dump him before the deadline.
The Lakers' options in the backcourt are limited. Luka Doncic will play massive minutes, but the Lakers don’t want to extend Marcus Smart above 30, given his injury history.