LeBron James won’t be ready to go with the Los Angeles Lakers on opening night, as the 40-year-old is dealing with sciatica in his right side.
As a result, a contributor who would likely come off the bench will have to be inserted into a starting role for a brief period.
On Friday, head coach JJ Redick finally decided who would fill in for James when the Lakers start regular-season play on Tuesday.
“Lakers’ starters vs. Sacramento (Kings, for preseason): Luka Doncic, Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton,” Buha Block’s Jovan Buha wrote on X/Twitter Friday. “JJ Redick said pregame that this is the group that will start on opening night vs. Golden State (Warriors).”
Vincent hasn’t played his best basketball with the Lakers since joining the franchise in 2023.
Despite being a respected veteran with NBA Finals experience, Vincent’s offense has been putrid in a Los Angeles uniform, frustrating every Lakers fan with high expectations for the Santa Barbara product.
However, the former Miami Heat guard was one of the more impressive preseason performers in October, as he averaged 16.2 points per contest on 51.3% shooting from the field and 56.8% shooting from three in four outings.
Could Vincent’s encouraging preseason play be a sign of what’s to come in Year 3 with the Lakers? Only time will tell.
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