With D’Angelo Russell gone, the Lakers have Gabe Vincent to rely on as a backup point guard. Vincent’s been a hot topic among Lakers fans this season. On the one hand, his defense has been a lifesaver for a squad struggling to lock opponents down. On the other, his unpredictable scoring has often been more of a headache than a help.

Vincent’s ability to handle increased responsibility could make or break the Lakers’ plans. It’s a gamble, no doubt, but one they seemed willing to take—until now. Vincent is out for Tuesday’s game against Cleveland, thanks to a left oblique strain he picked up on Saturday, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com.

In his absence, the Lakers will look to Austin Reaves and Shake Milton to pick up the slack. Reaves has been putting up 17.7 points a game—he’s basically become a fan favorite for a reason. Milton, chipping in 7.4 points per contest, might also get a shot at stepping up.

Vincent hasn’t exactly been setting the scoreboard on fire this season. He’s averaging 4.3 points a game, shooting just 37.3% from the field and 33.0% from three. However, December brought some hope as he improved his three-point shooting to an impressive 44.4%. That’s no small feat, especially for a Lakers team that’s struggled to find steady scoring off the bench.

Defensively, Vincent’s impact has been undeniable, providing much-needed resistance for a squad that’s struggled to lock down opponents. His potential to combine reliable defense with improved shooting could cement his role on the team. But if he can’t meet expectations offensively, Vincent could still prove valuable as part of a trade package to address the Lakers’ other needs.

Trade speculation: Gabe Vincent’s role in Lakers’ future moves

The Lakers are still eyeing a backup center, with Wizards’ Jonas Valanciunas on their radar, and they’re willing to trade away future second-round picks to make it happen. But here’s the twist: Gabe Vincent is likely going to be part of any potential deal, according to HoopsHype.

Los Angeles’ pursuit of Valanciunas stems from his impressive rebounding and post-scoring abilities. And truth be told, he is one of those big men who doesn’t get enough credit. Playing for the Wizards this season, he’s averaging 11.9 points and 8.1 rebounds in just 20 minutes per game.

Moreover, the man is a force on the offensive boards and one of the league’s best post-scorers. His per-36 stats jump to 21.4 points, 14.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks on 55.9% shooting—a level of production that could significantly boost the Lakers’ bench.

However, moving Vincent wouldn’t be straightforward. The Purple & Gold has already removed their largest expiring contract from future trade discussions. To make a deal work, they’d need to bundle other contracts, such as those of Vincent, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, or Jalen Hood-Schifino, which total about $43.6 million in outgoing salary. Such a trade would require careful navigation to avoid crossing the CBA’s second apron.

Gabe Vincent’s injury comes at a crucial juncture for the Lakers. While his defensive impact and recent shooting improvements highlight his potential, his inconsistent scoring raises questions about his long-term fit. The Lakers must decide whether to bet on Vincent’s recovery and contributions or leverage him as a trade asset to address their pressing need for size and depth in the paint.

With the trade deadline looming, time is running out for the Lakers to solidify their roster and maximize their championship aspirations.