Los Angeles Lakers point guard Gabe Vincent is set to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, as confirmed to ESPN by a source familiar with his plans. This surgery comes as a significant development for Vincent, who signed a lucrative contract with the Lakers in the offseason but has been limited by knee issues.
Vincent, 27, has been restricted to just five games this season due to his ailing knee. His performance has notably dipped, with averages of 5.4 points on 37.5% shooting, including a low 11.8% from the three-point line, and 3.0 assists in 25.4 minutes per game.
This is a stark contrast to his pivotal role in the Miami Heat’s NBA Finals run last season, where he averaged 12.7 points and 3.5 assists, shooting 37.8% from beyond the arc during the 2023 postseason. Follow your favourite basketball team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet, one of the best basketball gambling sites.
Vincent had previously taken a non-surgical approach to his knee issues, including having the knee drained and undergoing platelet-rich plasma therapy. Despite these efforts, his return to the court was short-lived. After participating in the Lakers’ 124-108 loss to the Chicago Bulls last week, where he scored three points and had three assists in 14 minutes, Vincent was sidelined again due to swelling in the knee.
The surgery, which is expected to take place as soon as Tuesday, is described as a “cleanup” procedure. With an anticipated recovery period of six to eight weeks, Vincent will be absent from the Lakers’ lineup for a significant portion of the season. His absence is a blow to the Lakers, who had hoped for his significant contribution following his three-year, $33 million contract signing. Vincent had come in as a replacement for Dennis Schroder, who moved to the Toronto Raptors in the offseason.
This development is a setback for both Vincent and the Lakers, as they navigate through the current season. The team and fans will be eagerly awaiting his recovery and return to the court, hoping he can rediscover the form that made him a key asset in the Heat’s playoff run. Get the latest updates from the world of basketball only on Nextbet Sports.