Lakers: Gabe Vincent starting over LeBron, NBA debut vs Warriors

JJ Redick Tests Lineup with Gabe Vincent in Preseason

In the last preseason game, Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick used the match as a “dress rehearsal” for the start of the regular season next week, placing Gabe Vincent in the starting lineup in place of the injured LeBron James. Vincent demonstrated his good performance in training camp, scoring 14 points with 5 of 6 shots made (4 of 5 in three-pointers). Despite his outstanding performance, the Lakers fell to the Sacramento Kings with a score of 117-116, finishing the preseason with a 1-5 record. The regular season will begin on Tuesday night when the Lakers face the Golden State Warriors. Although the decision on Vincent has already been made, there are still aspects to be defined for the Lakers in the coming days.

We have two more practices, so we need to improve some things.

Luka Doncic

Doncic, who scored 31 points and nine assists in 33 minutes, led the game in scoring. Vincent revealed that the coaching staff informed him about the change in the lineup on Friday morning. His performance in the preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks, where he scored 18 points in the first four minutes with 5 of 5 three-pointers, reinforced his position.

I think I just bring what I’ve been doing since I got here. Defending, trying to defend at a high level. Creating plays when I have opportunities, opening up the court while Luka and Austin Reaves create their own opportunities.

Gabe Vincent

James is not expected to return to the lineup until mid-November, as he recovers from sciatica affecting the right side of his body. Although Vincent will join Doncic, Reaves, Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura at the start of the 2025-26 season, Redick made it clear that the starting lineups are not definitive.

I don’t know who my starters will be for the rest of the season because, again, there are injuries and things that happen throughout the year. I have a pretty clear idea of who will start Game 1. After that, I don’t know. But I think in that lineup there’s a lot of shooting around Luka and DA, and Gabe is another ball handler, another tough defender.

JJ Redick

Redick has downplayed the significance of his decision regarding the starting lineup during training camp, highlighting that he used 25 starting lineups last season. Both he and his team were more concerned with their defense, after allowing 59 points in the second half to a Kings team that shot 54.7% overall and 44.8% from the three-point line.

I think in practice we were more physical. We need to work on our physicality.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers were without Jaxson Hayes, one of their most physical defenders, in the second half of Friday’s game due to a right wrist contusion. Redick reported that the X-rays were negative and an update on Hayes is expected at Sunday’s practice. Marcus Smart, former Defensive Player of the Year, who scored 14 points and stole four balls off the bench against Sacramento, vowed to improve the team’s physicality.

Just follow my example. That’s all. I’m going to try to set the tone every night. And just follow me.

Marcus Smart