Since the Los Angeles Lakers traded D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets in late December, Gabe Vincent has been handed the title of the most polarizing player in the purple and gold. Signed to a three-year, $33 million contract after an explosive 2023 postseason, Vincent has struggled to rediscover the form that made him a hot commodity.
Thankfully, Vincent is beginning to put it all together at the perfect time, thus enabling the Lakers to potentially resolve their longest-standing flaw.
Vincent, 28, missed all but 11 games during the 2023-24 season, thus creating the inevitable need for patience in 2024-25. He struggled early, averaging just 2.8 points and 0.5 three-point field goals made on .313/.209/.333 shooting through his first 19 appearances.
Since Dec. 1, however, Vincent has averaged 7.6 points and 1.8 three-point field goals made per game on .420/.374/.900 shooting.
That production may not blow anyone away, but compounded by his high-level defense, Vincent has become a crucial contributor. He's [the best defensive guard](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-developed-strength-save-lebron-injury) on the roster, as well as a reliable source of effective three-point shooting.
Just as the postseason appears over the horizon, Vincent has taken that offensive value to an entirely new level—thus redefining the lackluster second unit.
Gabe Vincent is giving Lakers the bench production they've needed
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Since Jan. 15, Vincent has posted averages of 8.5 points and 2.0 three-point field goals on 35.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc. That increase in volume has directly coincided with the Lakers going 20-6 since that same date.
Beyond the averages, however, is a dramatic increase in production within individual games—primarily as a scorer.
Vincent has scored at least 10 points in 12 games this season, with nine occurring since Jan. 15. He's set new season-highs in scoring on three occasions during that time, including his most recent showing that proved he still has the 2023 magic left in him.
Los Angeles lost to the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, Mar. 10, but in a spot start, Vincent was spectacular, posting 24 points and three assists on 8-of-12 shooting.
It was the type of showing that Miami Heat fans had grown accustomed to seeing during Vincent's last season with the team. He posted seven 20-point games and 29 outings with at least 10 points during the 2022-23 regular season.
More importantly, Vincent scored at least 20 points in five different games during the 2023 Playoffs, helping the Heat reach the NBA Finals.
That 2022-23 season played a direct role in the Lakers deciding to sign Vincent to a three-year deal. As a result of their patience with his return from injury and a progressive rise to his previous level of play, the second unit could be saved from ranking No. 28 in points per game.
It's been a slow grind, but the Lakers are finally getting the version of Vincent they initially paid for—at the perfect time of year.