2023-08-04 11:20:00
Among the most active franchises of this Free Agency 2023, the Lakers have managed to secure the services of leader Gabe Vincent. But with D’Angelo Russell on the same position, they will have to make a choice to compose their five major. This is called a rich problem.
The Lakers have yet to find their starting five for next season, far from it! Not only is the interior sector in discussion with the (potential) return of Anthony Davis as a power forward, but the position of point guard is also the subject of discussions with D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent. If we thought that the second, signed to the Free Agency, was coming as a back-up, he might actually play the leading roles. This is reported by Jovan Buha in his latest post pour The Athletic.
“CIt’s an open competition, and Gabe Vincent has a real shot at stealing the starting spot.”
Landed last February at the Lakers, D’Lo has not yet made such a bad copy since his arrival, posting an average of 17.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists with 48.4% shooting including 38.4% from afar (his career best percentages). But in the Playoffs, the former Wolves player (as often) disappointed a lot with falling statistics in all areas, an almost non-existent defense and a sometimes visible lack of desire.
Conversely, Gabe Vincent was ultra-efficient with the Heat in postseason. Already the author of a correct regular season, he has considerably increased his level of play and his production (from 9.4 to 12.7 points on average). In the absence of Tyler Herro, he asserted himself as his team’s third offensive option while making a real contribution in defense. It is precisely on this point that the difference between the two men might be made: if D’Lo is the most talented offensively, Gabe is certainly a much better defender.
“[Vincent] is a better defender than Russell. […] Unlike the latter, Vincent’s defensive abilities allow him to be used in the playoffs, as he showed during the Heat’s run to the Finals.
However, in a team made up of big scorers like LeBron James, Anthony Davis and even Austin Reaves, a managerial leader who can defend is probably more useful than a crazy scorer. Especially since, as Buha reminds us, Vincent has a great ability to play off-ball, which makes him very complementary to the two LA stars.
Despite this, Russell still seems to have a slight advantage in this competition for the role of starter, since the Lakers might prioritize stability by keeping the same backline than in the second half of last season. The extension offered to D’Lo this summer shows the desire for continuity in LA
D’Angelo Russell or Gabe Vincent, who will take the place of starting point guard for the Angelinos next year? The choice is not easy, but the training camp and pre-season performances may tell us more!
Source : The Athletic
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