JJ Redick isn’t shy about backing his guys-and right now, Gabe Vincent is clearly one of his guys.
The Lakers’ head coach has been vocal in his support of the 29-year-old guard, even as Vincent’s on-court production has left fans scratching their heads. A clip of Redick praising Vincent made the rounds on social media Friday, with the coach calling him a “fantastic” preseason performer and going as far as to say, “Man, I’d love to have 10 Gabe Vincents on my team.” That kind of endorsement doesn’t go unnoticed-especially when it comes after a rough night like Thursday’s.
Let’s talk about that game. In a 135-117 home loss to the Charlotte Hornets, Vincent played 15 minutes and didn’t register a single point, assist, or steal.
He went 0-for-7 from the field, including 0-for-5 from three, and picked up four fouls. It’s the kind of stat line that gets fans talking-and they did.
Social media lit up with questions about why Vincent continues to get rotation minutes, especially in a game where the Lakers were looking for any kind of spark.
But Redick’s loyalty to Vincent isn’t just about the box score. He’s made it clear that he values what Vincent brings to the locker room-his leadership, his professionalism, and his ability to set an example for younger players. Redick even name-dropped Vincent alongside Marcus Smart as role models for Bronny James, a nod to the kind of culture the first-year head coach is trying to build in L.A.
Statistically, Vincent’s season hasn’t turned many heads. He’s averaging 5.1 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 33.7% from the field and 36.5% from deep.
Those numbers don’t scream rotation lock, especially on a team trying to claw its way back into contention. But Redick sees more than just the numbers-and to be fair, Vincent sees growth too.
Back in December, Vincent spoke with Mark Medina and offered some insight into how the team has evolved under Redick’s leadership.
“I think our feet are a little bit more under us,” Vincent said. “They’re a little bit more comfortable with learning from stuff that happened last year.
They’re just growing in a number of ways. So it’s been great.
The message has been received better this year. I think we’re moving in the right direction.”
He also pointed to the team’s chemistry, saying, *“It’s a different group… a fresh group, if you will. Last year, we had two or three different teams in one season.
So it’s a fresh group. We had a good summer.
We’ve been together. We’ve seen our cohesiveness show.”
That cohesion helped the Lakers make the playoffs in Redick’s first year at the helm-a solid start for a rookie head coach. But their postseason run ended at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Redick later admitted his biggest regret was how the team prepared physically for that series. It’s a lesson learned, and one that’s likely shaping how he manages his roster now.
Around the rest of the roster, there have been bright spots. Luka Dončić is playing at an MVP level in his first full season with the team, while Austin Reaves was making a strong All-Star case before a grade two calf strain sidelined him. And of course, there’s LeBron James-still defying time, averaging 22.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.9 assists despite battling through a sciatica issue.
So where does that leave Vincent? For now, it seems Redick is sticking by his guy.
Whether that loyalty pays off down the stretch remains to be seen. But if there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s this: JJ Redick isn’t just coaching talent-he’s coaching character.
And for him, Gabe Vincent checks that box every time.