After Joining Forces With LeBron James at the Lakers, 6?2 NBA Star Draws the Attention of Jimmy Butler and Other New Rivals

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a busy offseason thus far. While their midseason turnaround was remarkable, GM Rob Pelinka and LeBron James have been hard at work to improve the roster. Whether it was strong draft selections or an incredible Day 1 of free agency, the Lakers look better than ever. While the addition of multiple wings dominated headlines, it was the day’s first move that might be the Lakers’ ace. Even though risky, the low-cost-high-reward nature of the move earned praise from around the league.

Just the beginning, the season already looks promising as ever in the City of Angels.

Stars come out in support of the newest Laker

Just like the Lakers, the Miami Heat exceeded all expectations this past season. After barely making it out of the play-in, Jimmy Butler and Heat Culture carried the team to a Finals appearance. However, after the first round, it wasn’t a case of Playoff Jimmy alone. It was Heat Culture that ultimately prevailed.

And, a viable product of the culture was 6’2 point guard Gabe Vincent. After going undrafted in 2018, and being cut from the Sacramento Kings, the future looked bleak for Gabe. However, he continued working hard. And now, finds himself the recipient of a $ 33 million contract. But, this wasn’t a case of just a heartwarming story.

Throughout the 2023 Playoffs, Vincent established himself as a solid role player. Whether it was hard-nosed defense or timely triples, the former University of California product was a definite standout. He was so effective that there were genuine arguments about him winning Eastern Conference Finals MVP over Jimmy Butler.

Read More: ?You?re Getting Traded?: NBA Fans Berate 2x All-Star After LeBron James? Son Bronny?s Massive Update

Speaking of Jimmy, the leader of the Heat was quick to congratulate his former teammate, along with All-Star Bam Adebayo. While Jimmy knows the LeBron James Lakers all too well, having faced them in the 2020 Finals, he seemed genuinely happy for his teammate. Joining in on the celebrations was potential LeBron teammate, Trae Young.

As the stars celebrate Vincent’s success, has the tide truly turned in Lakers’ land?

Big season ahead for LeBron James and the Lakers

The last Miami Heat point guard that the Lakers signed was Kendrick Nunn. However, that experiment turned out to be a disaster. And, a similar story might repeat itself. For all of Vincent’s playoff insanity, he was a below-average player during the regular season. While he became a sniper in the playoffs, his 3-point shooting splits for his career sit at a measly 33%. But, there is reason for optimism. Vincent is a proven playoff commodity, with a deep run under his belt. Moreover, he isn’t the only acquisition by the Lakers.

Apart from the Heat product, the Lakers were also quick to fill a major hole from them in their wings. With the likes of Taurean Prince, playoff standout Rui Hachimura, and Cam Reddish joining the ranks, the Lakers suddenly own one of the best wing rotations in the game. That is, without mentioning LeBron, Jarred Vanderbilt, or Swiftie Austin Reaves.

Watch This Story: Hours After Breakup, Taylor Swift Reportedly Linked With 8 Years Younger Lakers Star Called “HillBilly” Kobe Bryant?

As the NBA stars praise their acquisition, it seems like the stars might finally be aligned in La La Land. While risky, a return to home for Vincent could prove to be the catalyst for a career year for him.