The Los Angeles Lakers are already heavily battered after just four games. Now LeBron James’ representative will also be out longer.
Another setback for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA: Guard Gabe Vincent will likely be unavailable to his team for two to four weeks. An MRI confirmed a severe sprain of the left ankle, as ESPN reports. The 29-year-old suffered the injury at the beginning of the third quarter during the 127:120 away win in Sacramento, left the arena in a special shoe, and appeared on crunches the next day for the home game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Vincent was in the starting five for the first three games of the season because LeBron James had to rest due to sciatic nerve problems in the lower back and on the right side. With an average of 16.3 points, 3.0 assists, and a three-point percentage of 55.6% in the preseason, the former Miami professional had strongly recommended himself. But now the LeBron representative is out longer, thereby worsening the Lakers’ shortage.
In addition to James, Marcus Smart (bruised right quadriceps), Luka Doncic (sprained finger, bruised left lower leg), and center Jaxson Hayes (patellar tendon irritation) were also missing against the Trail Blazers. Maxi Kleber continues to struggle with an abdominal muscle strain, while rookie Adou Thiero is working on his comeback after knee surgery. Head Coach JJ Redick thus had only seven full professionals and three two-way players available.
Austin Reaves used the opportunities in Sacramento spectacularly and set a new career high with 51 points. “We don’t expect Austin to score 51 points again,” Redick cautioned.