Luka Doncic, Lebron James and Austin Reaves are the three cornerstones of this Los Angeles Lakers outfit, but the championship team is based on role players.
Certainly, Austin Reeves was also an undrafted player before he entered the league, but now no one doubts his qualifications.
The same cannot be said for my Los Angeles teammates. Los Angeles had graduated from the league almost before, but now it’s a favorite of the LA Lakers.
The team’s statement led to the victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, with James Worthy and Derek Fisher reserved special admiration for him.
A big win for JJ Redick’s coaching acumen is that they have managed to make every player feel like an important part of the team.
As a well-known role player himself, he understands the need to set up a culture of accountability that only thrives if it penetrates the last man in the rotation.
Redick recently praised Hachimura and Vanderbilt, and now the praise train has been extended to Gabe Vincent by Worthy and Fisher.
Spectrum SportsNet, Worthy and Fisher said Vincent were fighting for the opportunity to play in the league just a while ago, but now it’s a key spark plug from the bench.
Worthy said: “We always knew Gabe was something. Unfortunately, when he came here from Miami, he got injured with a few coaches. Quality time and healthy body, he gave us a big lift off the bench.”
Fisher said:
“For me, Gabe’s play is to stay healthy and get injured in his first year in LA and get healthier. I see why the team prioritized him in free agency.”
Superstars always decide on the team’s floor, but the contributions from the role players when the lights shine brightest are what determine the ceiling.
In that sense, Gabe Vincent’s success story is a major cultural victory for La Lakers and The Atmosphere JJ Redick, growing around the team.
Vincent scored 15 points in the victory and the Grizzlies, and the team required all of those points, especially a 4/6 shot from 3.
Due to the season, Vincent’s average doesn’t pop out of the paper, but he does a good job of small things and responds aggressively when his numbers are called.
Suddenly, those three years of $33 million trades don’t look that bad.
Both Vincent and Reddick deserve their credit for the turnaround.