Gabe Vincent’s tough post-Kings scene detracts from LA’s victory

The Los Angeles Lakers have dealt with so many injury problems to start the season. LeBron James is already out to start the campaign dealing with sciatica, and then after their win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, Luka Dončić joined James for the repair after sustaining multiple injuries that will now keep him out of the house for over a week. The good news is that the Lakers have stayed on a winning streak, like Austin Reeves’ career high with 51 points led them to a 127-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.

As good as the vibes are in the locker room after the Lakers win, the developments during the Kings game are sure to dampen their spirits. especially, Gabe Vincent had to leave the proceedings early with an ankle injury. And to make matters worse, according to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, it was reportedly Vincent wearing a protective boot on his left foot, which could suggest that the veteran fullback could be out for more games.

The Lakers’ depth will be tested early in the season, and it’s up to the rest of the team’s healthy players to hold down the fort while they wait for some of their key guys to recover.

Vincent played just 19 minutes before escaping the win against the Kings, and it’s not entirely clear who head coach JJ Redick will trust to fill the 29-year-old guard’s minutes. Marcus Smart could get another boost in minutes, but at this point, pushing Smart this early in the season might not be the best idea given how injury-prone he has been over the last few seasons.

Guys like Dalton Knecht and Jake LaRavia will have to step up if Vincent misses an extended period of time.

Austin Reaves keeps the injury-ravaged Lakers afloat

Any team missing their two best players would find it difficult to win, let alone on the road. But the Lakers’ odd roster construction is paying off. It might not be the best idea to pair Doncic with a lot of players around him, but when injury strikes, this is where Reaves’ ability to run a single offense stands out.

Reaves scored 51 points on 12-22 shooting from the field, which is simply absurd for anyone, let alone an undrafted player who slipped through the cracks for 29 other teams in the NBA. The 27-year-old guard is getting a new contract soon, and no one should be surprised if his next deal is worth around $35 million per year.