Gabe Vincent receives important injury update as Lakers await return

The Los Angeles Lakers have endured a difficult stretch plagued by injuries, and one of the key rotation players affected has been veteran guard Gabe Vincent. While his return is not immediate, there is growing optimism that help could be coming soon.

Before the Lakers’ matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, head coach JJ Redick provided an update on Vincent’s recovery, noting that the team hopes the guard will be able to resume practice in a limited capacity over the weekend.

“Hoping to practice tomorrow, will be modified,” Redick said.

“We’re hoping he’s available for one of the games on the road trip. But again, we’ve got to get exposure to live play. With the travel day on Monday, it’s going to be tough.”

Potential return timeline

Including Friday’s game against Memphis, Vincent is expected to miss at least two more games. The earliest possible return for the veteran guard would be Tuesday, January 6, when the Lakers face the New Orleans Pelicans.

Los Angeles will then play the San Antonio Spurs on the second night of a back-to-back, offering another potential window for Vincent’s return depending on how his body responds to increased activity.

Injury context

Vincent has been sidelined since December 18 due to a back injury, and Friday marked the seventh consecutive game he has missed.

Despite the modest stat line this season, Vincent has been a steady presence when available and someone Redick trusts, particularly in lineups that need defensive organization and experience.

Vincent’s role with the Lakers

In the 2025–26 season, Vincent has appeared in 14 games, including six starts, averaging just over 21 minutes per game. He’s contributed 4.7 points and 1.4 assists per contest while shooting a respectable 36.2 percent from three-point range.

Now in his third season with the Lakers, Vincent joined the team as a free agent during the 2023 offseason. While his first year in Los Angeles was heavily impacted by injuries, he has largely stayed healthy since — making this current setback particularly frustrating.

As the Lakers continue to navigate a short-handed rotation, Vincent’s potential return could provide much-needed stability in the backcourt during a critical stretch of the season.