Lakers Rumors: Gabe Vincent 'Hopeful for a Return' from Injury Next Week vs. Knicks

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly "hopeful" guard Gabe Vincent will return from injury within the next week.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported Vincent is loosely targeting Dec. 18's game against the New York Knicks to come back from his right knee injury.

Vincent struggled in four appearances this season before being injured, averaging 6.0 points and 3.0 assists while shooting a ghastly 7.1 percent from three-point range. The Lakers signed Vincent to a three-year, $33 million contract this offseason to help overhaul their bench, but his deal did not get off to a strong start.

Los Angeles has found its groove in Vincent's absence, coming away as the first ever NBA In-Season Tournament champion and currently sit in fifth place in the Western Conference at 14-9. Austin Reaves' return to a sixth-man role has led to an uptick in his performance, while Cam Reddish has also been solid since his move to the starting lineup.

It's unclear what type of role Vincent will have once he's back on the floor. It seems logical to split up Vincent and Reaves, but that would require moving Reddish back to the bench in favor of one of the two.

The likeliest scenario would include the Lakers bringing Vincent along slowly and staggering minutes to figure out where he ultimately fits best.

Don't be surprised to see Vincent's name start cropping up in trade rumors, either. The Lakers have been linked to Zach LaVine, and Vincent's contract would likely be needed to facilitate a deal.