Lakers News: Insider Details How LA Snagged Free Agent Gabe Vincent

Timing really is everything...

As NBA free agency opened, many wondered what the Los Angeles Lakers would do. Would they actually bring back the core of players that just helped them get to the Western Conference Finals? Or would they do what they normally do and go make a splash signing/trade? They indeed did favor continuity by bringing back much of the core but they also made some value signings to upgrade the roster. One of which was grabbing former Miami Heat point guard Gabe Vincent on a three-year deal. 

When the news dropped that LA had signed Vincent it came as a bit of a surprise. He wasn't heavily talked about with the Lakers but LA saw him as a good option to replace Dennis Schroder as the backup guard. ESPN's Ramona Shelburne details how it all came about.

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According to Shelburne, it was all timing. LA benefitted from both Miami and the Toronto Raptors having to wait on other players before they could do anything with Vincent. Miami couldn't go over a certain price point due to their want of Portland guard Damian Lillard and Toronto was waiting to hear back from their own guard in Fred VanVleet. This is when LA jumped at signing him and they agreed to the deal.

Vincent is a slight upgrade over Schroder in the back court but it's his experience that likely helped take him over the top for LA. He has been on a few long playoff runs with the Heat, including helping them reach the NBA Finals this past season.

He is a tough defender on the perimeter and the Lakers wanted to target guys who were defensive minded and selfless. That describes Vincent to a T.

It was a great signing for the Lakers, and one that helps push them ever closer to grabbing their 18th title in franchise history next season.

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