The ideal lineup for the Lakers when Gabe Vincent heals from his injuries.
Don’t look now, but the Lakers might have their complete roster healthy for the first time this season within the next week or two. The most recent Laker to succumb to an ailment was Christian Wood, who had a knee injury two weeks ago. He will likely need to have it evaluated again in the coming days. In the next week or so, the team hopes to hear good news on his condition and get him back on the court.
Regarding their second wounded comrade, there was good news revealed today, and they are waiting for a (hopefully) favorable word on Wood. By the end of this month, Gabe Vincent—whom some have connected to the notorious Kendrick Nunn—will make a comeback. Although the front office made a commendable investment in him, the results thus far have not been particularly good.
The $33 million player has averaged just 5.4 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, and 1.2 SPG in 25.4 MPG on icy shooting splits of 37.5% FG/11.8% 3/50.0% FT in his five games since suiting up. It goes without saying that such lackluster figures are well short of what Vincent is capable of, even though his impact has never been fully represented in the box score.
Adding to his early setbacks, the arrival of freshly inked Spencer Dinwiddie will not assist his case for playing time. Given that Dinwiddie had a similar difficult time getting started during his first season with the Lakers, it is possible that the two would compete late in the season for postseason playing time as the backup point guard.
Looking beyond the point guard spot to the entire depth chart, it will be interesting to watch how Darvin Ham sets out his rotation with a completely fit team. This season, we have witnessed him make several significant rotation adjustments, so you never know what tricks he may have up his sleeve. In light of that, here is how the rotation may appear.