Gabe Vincent’s Steady Voice Becoming a Key Piece in Lakers’ Locker Room
LOS ANGELES - In a Lakers locker room filled with star power and championship expectations, Gabe Vincent has quietly emerged as one of the team’s most trusted voices. He’s not the flashiest name on the roster, but make no mistake - Vincent’s presence is felt, both on and off the court.
Over the past two seasons, Vincent has gone from a guy trying to stay healthy to a player teammates lean on. His leadership has grown organically, shaped by experience, resilience, and a deep understanding of the game.
And it’s not just within the Lakers’ walls - his peers across the league have taken notice. In February, he was elected as a vice president of the NBA Players Association, a nod to the respect he’s earned throughout the league.
But for Vincent, leadership starts with availability. After battling injuries early in his Lakers tenure, he’s finally found some consistency in his health - and that’s made all the difference.
“I think I’ve just found my voice a little bit,” Vincent said after practice last week. “I’ve gotten a little more comfortable. I think that me being a little more healthy has helped me to be able to be on the court and build some chemistry and camaraderie with the guys, earn some trust with them.”
That trust has translated into a stronger presence in the locker room. Vincent’s not the loudest guy, but when he speaks, his teammates listen.
It’s not just about what he says - it’s how and when he says it. He’s learning how to communicate in a way that resonates, helping the team stay connected and aligned.
“It’s mostly just finding my voice. I’ve always had things to say, or felt a way about stuff,” he added. “It’s finding the right way to get through to people and to express the way I feel or what I’m seeing to help the group just move forward in the best way possible.”
Currently, Vincent is dealing with low back soreness and is expected to miss at least a week. But even from the sidelines, his influence remains.
Head coach JJ Redick has leaned on Vincent as a steadying force, especially for the team’s younger players. His mentorship has been particularly valuable for rookie Bronny James, who’s navigating the early stages of his NBA journey under a massive spotlight.
One of the reasons Redick trusts Vincent so much is his ability to complement the Lakers’ stars. Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, Vincent knows how to play within the flow of the game - giving the offense space, trusting his teammates, and letting the talent do what it does best.
“You give the ball space, run things with pace, put some trust in them and some responsibility in them to make the right reads, but allow talent to be talent,” Vincent explained. “I’d say not to overcomplicate things.
To have simple actions and allow them to play. I think that’s when things get really unpredictable, harder to scheme versus everything being too structured.”
That kind of basketball IQ - the ability to simplify the game and make others better - is what makes Vincent such a valuable piece, even if his numbers don’t jump off the page. Through 14 games this season (including six starts), he’s averaging 4.7 points and 1.4 assists in just over 21 minutes per game, while shooting a solid 36.2 percent from beyond the arc.
Those stats might not scream “difference-maker,” but Vincent’s impact goes beyond the box score. He brings poise, professionalism, and a calming presence to a team that’s constantly under the microscope. And in a season where the Lakers are trying to find the right balance between experience and youth, stars and role players, Vincent’s voice might be one of the most important in the room.
He’s not just earning minutes - he’s earning trust. And for a team with championship aspirations, that kind of leadership matters.