Gabe Vincent is set to return for the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night against the San Antonio Spurs after missing nine games due to a lumbar back strain. His absence has impacted the team’s rotation, as he was previously considered one of head coach JJ Redick’s trusted reserves.
LeBron James will not play in the game, having been ruled out with left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica. He was listed as questionable earlier but did not make the final roster. James recently contributed 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans, marking the Lakers’ third straight victory. The team has exercised caution with James during back-to-back games throughout the season.
Other injured Lakers include Austin Reaves (left calf strain), Rui Hachimura (right calf strain), and Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain), all of whom remain unavailable.
The Lakers will face challenges against San Antonio without several key players. In their last meeting, the Spurs defeated the Lakers in the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals, ending Los Angeles’ run in that tournament. Spurs star Victor Wembanyama also returned to action on Tuesday.
With Vincent back and James sidelined, Redick may adjust his lineup accordingly. Young guards Nick Smith Jr. and Dalton Knecht have received more playing time recently but have had mixed performances. Vincent’s reputation as a strong defender could result in increased minutes at their expense.
Vincent’s availability provides another option for Redick as injuries continue to affect team depth.
LeBron James commented on how this season’s team should adapt its style around Luka Doncic’s play: “The Lakers players must bend their games to fit next to Doncic and not the other way around.”