Nigerian-American basketball prodigy Gabe Vincent is one of the best talents the Los Angeles Lakers have recruited in recent years. Vincent was the recipient of the NBA G League’s Most Improved Player award for the 2019-20 season.
The Lakers signed Vincent to a three-year deal worth $33 million from the Miami Heat last offseason. However, the point guard has only played five games this season, during which he averaged 5.4 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists per game.
LeBron James claims ‘no pressure’ on Gabe Vincent injury rehab
LeBron James, the leading points scorer of NBA, spoke to reporters after the Lakers’ loss to the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. He said that he did not want to go into much detail about Gabe Vincent’s recovery and that he also does not want to put any pressure on the 27-year-old point guard.
King James said, “He’s been out for quite a while, and whenever he’s ready, we’ll welcome him back with open arms as a teammate, but at the end of the day, we’re putting no pressure on him. So, he needs to take his time”
LeBron James tempers expectations on Gabe Vincent’s return saying, “whenever he’s ready, we’ll welcome him back with open arms … but at the end of the day, we’re putting no pressure on him. So, he needs to take his time” pic.twitter.com/kqo2Do6dcr
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 30, 2024
Lakers fans are eagerly awaiting Gabe Vincent’s comeback, but Vincent is apparently still in recovery, and it will take some time for the young superstar to get back into the action.
When will Gabe Vincent return to Lakers’ squad?
Gabe Vincent appeared in each of the first four games of the 2023-24 season before being sidelined with a knee injury. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported on November 16 that Vincent had his knee drained and received a platelet-rich plasma treatment.
After making a brief return on December 20 against the Chicago Bulls, in which he played 14 minutes, Vincent underwent arthroscopic surgery seven days later and was scheduled to be reevaluated by team doctors in eight weeks. Lakers head coach Darvin Ham told reporters on March 12 that Vincent had knee surgery and has been cleared for non-contact activities.
Lakers guard Gabe Vincent is scheduled to join team during current road trip and is expected to be available to play vs. the Nets on Sunday barring setback, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Vincent has been out since Dec. 20 due to knee surgery. pic.twitter.com/qIWF6mbHJB
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 28, 2024
It is uncertain if Gabe Vincent will play for the remainder of the 2023-24 season, as his knee injury is quite serious, requiring an extended recovery period. Meanwhile, the Lakers continue to struggle in the Western Conference and will need to win at least 6 out of their remaining 8 games of the season.
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