JJ Redick and Luka Doncic were on the same page with Gabe Vincent's selection as the LA Lakers' fifth starter ahead of opening night. LA ran the lineup on Friday against the Sacramento Kings to end the 2025 NBA preseason. The experienced guard, who is in the final season of his three-year $33,0000,000 contract with LA, came into his own over the past few games.
On offense against the Kings, Vincent had 14 points and two assists, shooting 5 of 6, consisting of 4 of 5 from 3. On defense, Vincent guarded Zach LaVine, the Kings' top offensive player. He restrict the former All-Star to 15 points on 4 of 11 shooting, despite it being a mismatch as LaVine is four inches taller than him.
Vincent's shooting and point-of-attacking defense are some of the things that stood out for Redick and Doncic.
"There's a lot of shooting around Luka and DA (Deandre Ayton) and Gabe [Vincent] is another ball-handler, another tough defender," Redick said after Friday's game. "He fits in well."
Doncic said:
"Always liked playing with Gabe. His shooting is gonna help us a lot. You know, we have that connection."
JJ Redick justified that Gabe Vincent is their fifth starter on Tuesday's opening night against the Warriors only. He can switch things based upon the Lakers' other opponents, so the position is not Vincent's to hold beyond the first clash.
It makes proper sese to start Vincent against the Warriors because he can mark Steph Curry around, allowing Luka Doncic to play as a helper. Jarred Vanderbilt has been excellent against Curry in the past, but his lack of abilities in offense hinders his value on the other end, unlike Vincent.