Lakers Injury Report: Key LA Veteran 'Intends' to Play Again This Season

This would be a massive boost to the Lakers' chances.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been missing some of their best defenders for much of the season and it has hurt them on the court. Both point guard Gabe Vincent and forward Jarred Vanderbilt have been out due to injuries, with Vincent playing in just five games all season.

Vincent was the teams' big free agent signing this summer and he was expected to give them a boost on the defensive end. His ability to hound opposing guards on the perimeter would have given the Lakers a point-of-attack defender, something Los Angeles has missed all year.

In the few games that Vincent did suit up for, he wasn't very good. He shot just 11.8% from beyond the three-point line, but much of his struggles could have been attributed to his injury. 

The team has continued on without him, but we got a big update on his status. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Vincent is nearing a return and "intends" to play again this season barring any setbacks.

Lakers G Gabe Vincent is nearing a return and intends to play again this season barring any setbacks, league sources tell @TheSteinLine.

Vincent has played in just 5 games as a Laker and underwent arthroscopic surgery (left knee) in late December.

More: https://t.co/A6ycVmnrjq

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 19, 2024

If the Lakers could get Vincent back, it would be a huge boost to their overall depth. Having another guard to run out onto the court will help them, especially if he can provide them with the skillset that they signed him for.

With the postseason approaching, adding a player like Vincent would give this team a needed spark. It may be difficult to get him acclimated into the lineup since he has been out for so long, but this team is full of veterans, who will find a way to make it work. 

There is no guarantee that Vincent will return, but this is a good sign. He has been working hard to come back and wants to give Los Angeles an extra push for their potential playoff run.