Breaking News: Los Angeles Starter Out for Second Half Against Kings
Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent, who started in place of injured All-NBA power forward LeBron James against the Sacramento Kings, will not return for the second half due to an oblique strain, according to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha. Buha also reports that bench small forward Cam Reddish, who was previously listed as questionable due to back spasms, will be available to the depleted Lakers.
Rookie Dalton Knecht began the second half in Vincent’s place.
With Vincent out, only nine of the Lakers’ 15 rostered players are available for the game against the 13-18 Kings, who are looking for a win after a five-game losing streak and the firing of their head coach, Mike Brown. Reserve center Jaxson Hayes, who was activated following a month-long ankle injury absence, has not yet suited up, so his availability may be more of a formality.
At the time of writing, the Lakers lead the Kings 94-85 with 3:38 left in the third quarter.
Power forward Rui Hachimura has scored 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting (including 4-of-4 from beyond the arc) and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line, along with four rebounds and two blocks. All-NBA center Anthony Davis has a double-double with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, potentially in line for a triple-double.
Starting small forward Max Christie has 13 points on an efficient 4-of-6 shooting (2-of-3 from deep) and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line, while starting shooting guard Austin Reaves has a double-double with 19 points and 10 assists. Vincent played just 6:55, failing to score and registering a rebound, a turnover, and a +9 plus-minus during his limited time on the court.
Reddish has yet to score but has logged double-digit minutes off the bench, adding an assist, a steal, and a rebound.
Although the Kings are healthier than the Lakers, they are struggling with significant internal issues. The team’s high-profile sign-and-trade acquisition of six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan has disrupted their offense by reducing the involvement of their two best players, All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox and All-Star center Domantas Sabonis. Sacramento’s offense has been out of sync all season, and its defense has also taken a step back. The firing of Mike Brown does not resolve the deeper issues plaguing the team’s roster construction.
