Lakers: Vincent starts for LeBron; how does it impact the NBA start?

Lakers Close Preseason with Loss, but Gabe Vincent Shines

In a general rehearsal for the start of the regular season, Lakers coach JJ Redick placed Gabe Vincent in the starting lineup, covering for the absence of LeBron James. Vincent, after a standout preseason, scored 14 points with an efficiency of 5 of 6 shots (4 of 5 in three-pointers). Despite his performance, the Lakers fell to the Sacramento Kings with a score of 117-116, closing the preseason with a record of 1-5. The regular season will begin on Tuesday night, with the Lakers facing the Golden State Warriors. Although the decision on Vincent has already been made, the team still has much to define in the coming days.

We have two more practices, so we need to polish some aspects.

Luka Doncic

Doncic, who scored 31 points and dished out 9 assists in 33 minutes, led the game in scoring. Vincent was informed about the change in the lineup on Friday morning. His previous performance, with 18 points in the first four minutes against the Dallas Mavericks, including 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 the court while Luka and Austin Reaves create their own opportunities.

Gabe Vincent

James is expected to return to the court in mid-November, as he recovers from sciatica. Although Vincent, Doncic, Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Rui Hachimura will start the 2025-26 season together, Redick clarified that the starting lineups could vary during the year.

I don’t know anything about who will start the rest of the season because, again, there are injuries and things that happen throughout a year. I have a pretty good idea of who will start Game 1. After that, I don’t know. But I do believe that in that lineup there are a lot of shooters around Luka and DA, and Gabe is another ball handler, another tough defender.

JJ Redick

Redick has downplayed the significance of his starting lineup decisions during training camp, noting that he used 25 starting lineups last season. The team and its coach were more concerned about their defense, after allowing 59 points in the second half to the Kings, who had a 54.7% field goal percentage and a 44.8% three-point percentage.

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

Luka Doncic

The Lakers did not have Jaxson Hayes in the second half of Friday’s game due to a right wrist contusion. X-rays were negative and an update on his status is expected on Sunday. Marcus Smart, with 14 points and four steals off the bench, committed to improving the team’s physicality.

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

Marcus Smart