Lakers Injury Report: Long-Hurt Role Player Reflects On First Game Back

Alex Kirschenbaum | Apr 2, 2024

Mar 31, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Schroder controls the ball against Gabe Vincent and Austin Reaves. / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

On Sunday, during a 116-104 road win against the Brooklyn Nets, long-hurt Los Angeles Lakers reserve point guard Gabe Vincent made his long-awaited comeback to the team. Appearing in just 14 minutes of floor time, Vincent scored a scant two points on 1-of-4 shooting from the field. He also chipped in a steal, one rebound and one dime.

Afterwards, Vincent reflected on his small role in the team's success Sunday, per Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times.

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

“Just filling in the gaps,” Vincent said of his attack plan. “Go out there and compete defensively when I can on the perimeter. Battle for a board if it comes my way. If not, get the other guy out of the way. Just doing the little things.”

Vincent has appeared in just six games since inking a three-year, $33 million contract with Los Angeles over the summer, essentially to serve as a replacement for departed reserve Dennis Schröder, against whom he lined up on Sunday in Brooklyn. Since his absence, Vincent has basically been replaced in head coach Darvin Ham's lineups by ex-Nets point guard Spencer Dinwiddie, who played 21 minutes on Sunday and scored all of zero points.