Darvin Ham Sounds Off On Lakers’ ‘No. 1 Priority’ Amid Gabe Vincent Injury Update

The Los Angeles Lakers are back on the winning track. They celebrated a 114-104 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Several players missed the game, including Gabe Vincent. Lakers head coach Darvin Ham set up his priority list in the absence of Vincent.

Vincent has missed a big chunk of the regular season. According to recent reports, he will miss even more. He is averaging 5.0 points, 3.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 rebounds with the Lakers this season.

The 29-year-old saw action in the game against the Chicago Bulls. Vincent scored 3 points, three assists, and one rebound in 14 minutes of action. Many believed that Vince would return to the floor, but he will miss even more time.

Vincent averages 5.0 points, 3.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 rebounds with the Lakers.

“Gabe Vincent is considering a surgical procedure on his left knee that would keep him sidelined for 6-to-8 weeks,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin posted on X. “Vincent’s camp is exhausting all other options before settling on surgery.”

Each player has to take care of their health and Ham knows it best.

“You just have to make sure everything is well and good with him and his health first and foremost,” Ham said via Spectrum SportsNet on December 23. “And then you just try to activate Plan B, which is next man up, so to speak.

“Out No. 1, top priority is just to make sure that we know what’s going on with him, and put him in a position where he can get healthy.”

Lakers head coach Ham has a different priority ight now

In the game against the Chicago Bulls, Vincent averaged 3 points, 3 assists, and one rebound in 14 minutes of action. He was expected to see more action with the Lakers, but it seems like he will miss even more time.

“Vincent rehabbed for almost two months for return,” wrote The Athletic’s Shams Charania on X. “But the swelling is back and procedure is now a real likelihood.”

“Trying to compete and do what I can to move the needle in a positive direction.” Gabe Vincent on his return to the court. pic.twitter.com/Iv1G7R7RZg

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) December 21, 2023

Vincent likes his new team and he has established a great connection with his Lakers teammates.

“More and more [comfortable] each day. More and more each day,” Vincent said via Spectrum SportsNet on October 11. “Getting to know each other, get to know how guys move, how guys play, know our offense a little bit. We’re starting to grow.”