Despite a solid 7-3 record, the Los Angeles Lakers have struggled with injuries to start this season. LeBron James hasn’t played yet due to sciatica, Austin Reaves has missed each of their last three games with a groin strain and Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart and Jaxson Hayes have also missed multiple games with various ailments.
Guard Gabe Vincent was in L.A.’s starting lineup for its first three games of the season until he sprained his ankle. He has been out since, and he was initially expected to miss two to four weeks of action. It has now been approximately two weeks since his injury, and per Khobi Price of the Southern California News Group, he is progressing well. While his return isn’t imminent, there is hope that he could be a week away.
While Vincent isn’t a reliable 3-point shooter or facilitator, he can handle the basketball when needed, and he can play some aggressive defense in the backcourt. If nothing else, he will give Los Angeles a little more backcourt depth once he returns, although some fans are clamoring for Nick Smith Jr., a two-way player who recently exploded for 25 points against the Portland Trail Blazers, to take Vincent’s spot in the rotation.
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This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: JJ Redick gives positive update on Lakers guard Gabe Vincent