Lakers News: How Gabe Vincent's California Childhood Inspired His NBA Journey

Always good to go back to your roots!

Though the purple and gold made it their priority to get their playoff core from 2023 back for their upcoming regular season, your Los Angeles Lakers used one of their roster spots for a guard with championship experience. 

Prying him away from the Miami Heat, LA poached the services of Gabe Vincent on a new three-year, $33 million deal to shore up their backcourt, in a homecoming of sorts for the California kid. 

Chatted the journey from the G League to a playoff run, growing up in California, and playing alongside the Laker greats.

Get to Know | @iamgabevincent2 pic.twitter.com/wmJNYLYjRN

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 18, 2023

After playing his high school ball in his hometown of Stockton, Vincent eventually moved to the beach for his college career at UC Santa Barbara. 

As a Gaucho, Vincent would be a four-year player for his school, but would go undrafted once he left. 

Signing with the G-League in his hometown of Stockton for the Kings' affiliate, Vincent played three years with the team itching for an NBA opportunity. 

Such a chance would come with the Miami Heat as the team came calling for Vincent's services in a practice that's been done many times before. 

Taking Vincent as someone who was overlooked, the Heat used him for their Finals run in the bubble in 2020, ironically against the Lakers with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. 

While the Heat bowed out in five, 2022 saw the team within one shot of another Finals berth against the Warriors. 

2023 saw a return to the big stage for Vincent and company, but the Nuggets proved to be too much for both the Lakers and later the Heat for the NBA title. 

Fresh off of an impressive playoff run with not just good shot creation from three, but also an array of dribble moves and great defense, the Lakers can only hope that the homecoming is a worthy investment for both player and team. 

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