What's Gabe Vincent's Injury? What to Expect from Lakers PG's Timeline for Return

The Los Angeles Lakers have been hit hard with injuries in the early going this season, and they are reportedly dealing with yet another setback.

ESPN's Shams Charania and Dave McMenamin reported Monday that Gabe Vincent will miss two-to-four weeks with a sprained left ankle. He underwent an MRI that confirmed the extent of the injury.

Vincent appeared in each of the Lakers' first three games of the season and averaged 3.7 points and 2.3 assists in 24 minutes a night. 

He is not expected to be more than a secondary contributor this season, much like he was in 2024-25 when he posted 6.4 points per game while shooting 35.3 percent from deep. Given that reality, a two-to-four week absence would normally be something the Lakers could absorb and continue playing at a similar level.

However, depth is becoming a real concern.

LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Jaxson Hayes, Marcus Smart and Maxi Kleber are all dealing with injuries as well. That has forced Austin Reaves into the role of primary playmaker, and he responded with 51 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in Sunday's win over the Sacramento Kings.

It was an incredible individual effort, but asking him to do something like that on a nightly basis is unrealistic and unsustainable in a daunting Western Conference. Los Angeles will need to get healthier over the course of a long season to remain a realistic contender.

James and Dončić are far more imperative to what the Purple and Gold are hoping to achieve this season, but they will also need depth pieces like Vincent to challenge the league's best.

In the meantime, look for Dalton Knecht and even Bronny James to see more playing time off the bench.