As injuries mount, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to two of the highest-paid players on the roster for answers. Both inked to long-term deals worth more than $11 million per season in 2023, Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent are being tasked with steppeing up for Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves.
Vanderbilt is well on his way to doing exactly that, thriving on both ends of the floor to begin March, and Vincent shouldn't be overlooked for doing the same.
Los Angeles needs Vanderbilt at his best, primarily on the defensive end of the floor. He's arguably the best defender on the roster, as well as a productive offensive rebounder who can help address a long-standing flaw that's only been magnified by the decision to trade Anthony Davis.
Vanderbilt will undoubtedly prove essential, but the spotlight is on Vincent due to the fact that he's one of the few players who could create adequate depth at guard.
Luka Doncic and Reaves are high-volume players who can consume most of the minute distribution at the two guard spots. Beyond them, however, is a combination of Vincent and Jordan Goodwin, who are both valuable but perhaps less than ideal as far as individual production is concerned.
Thankfully, much as Goodwin has made his mark in recent weeks, Vincent is relishing the opportunity to prove the Lakers were right to opt against trading him at the deadline.
Gabe Vincent looking like an ideal complement to Luka Doncic
Playing without both Hachimura and Reaves, the Lakers secured a massive 108-102 victory over the LA Clippers on Mar. 2. Vincent got the start for Reaves, playing 31 minutes and delivering invaluable contributions on both ends of the floor.
Vincent shot just 3-of-10 from the field, but he went 3-of-5 from beyond the arc and finished with nine points, three rebounds, two assists, one block, and a steal.
Furthermore, the Clippers shot just 3-of-10 from the field when Vincent was the primary defender. Considering he was tasked with matching up against the likes of James Harden and Bogdan Bogdanovic, all the while helping to lead in the charge in transition, that's a remarkable feat.
It was also yet another example of how reliable Vincent has become as a 3-and-D option either off the bench or in the starting lineup.
Vincent is now shooting 37.3 percent on catch-and-shoot threes, including 38.4 percent since Jan. 1. He's still struggling in pull-up situations, but the fact that he's established himself in a role that's nothing short of essential is a promising sign.
A healthy Lakers team is going to play through Doncic, LeBron James, and Reaves, making consistent 3-and-D play in the backcourt an invaluable strength.
Vincent's resurgence has played a meaningful role in Los Angeles rising up the standings and overcoming injuries. The win over the Clippers gave the Lakers possession of the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, as well as a 6.5-game cushion over LA in the standings.
Los Angeles is likely counting down the days until Hachimura and Reaves are back at 100 percent, but Vincent is already stepping up in their absence.