Welcome Back, Gabe Vincent: Lakers Defeat Nets 116-104

The Los Angeles Lakers welcomed back reserve guard Gabe Vincent after a three-month absence, and he made an immediate impact in their 116-104 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Vincent, who had been out since undergoing knee surgery in December, finished with 2 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound, 1 steal, and 2 fouls in 14 minutes of play.

Vincent’s return comes at a crucial time for the Lakers, with the playoffs just three weeks away. His presence on the court adds depth to the team’s roster and provides valuable minutes for the starters to rest.

“I wouldn’t step on that court if I didn’t feel like I could help my team win games,” Vincent said before the game. “Whatever the role may be, whatever the minutes may be, that’s not for me to decide.”

And help his team win he did. Vincent’s first shot, a turnaround 8-footer off the glass, extended the Lakers’ lead to 31-7 in the first quarter. He also recorded his only assist by driving and drawing a help defender, leaving Anthony Davis free to catch a lob pass for a score at the rim.

“He makes it easy,” Vincent said of playing with Davis. “He’s huge.”

Vincent’s return also meant taking up the minutes in the rotation that had been going to Cam Reddish and Max Christie. And according to Davis, he looked solid in his first game back.

“Overall, I think he looked really solid,” Davis said.

The Lakers signed Vincent to a three-year, $33 million contract in the offseason for his tough perimeter defense and shot-making ability. He proved his worth during the Miami Heat’s run to the NBA Finals last year, and the Lakers were eager to add his competitive fire and leadership to their team.

“He’s a fighter and just has a quiet leadership, a quiet toughness about him,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said. “So we thought that would fit well with what we have going on here already.”

Vincent’s return was a welcome sight for his teammates, with LeBron James congratulating him in the locker room after the game.

“Just told him, ‘Happy to have you back, man. Congrats and happy to have you back out there,'” James said. “Obviously, first action in so many months, the legs, the lungs are the first thing to go. But I thought he was great in the minutes he was out there and it was great to have him back.”

Vincent’s comeback is a testament to his determination and hard work, and his return will only strengthen the Lakers as they make their push for the playoffs.