In a span of just a handful of months, the Los Angeles Lakers went from stuck in the mud of mediocrity to legitimate championship contenders. They did so by making a couple of midseason trades that jettisoned Kendrick Nunn, a guard who was contributing very little, and the polarizing Russell Westbrook while bringing in Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell and Jarred Vanderbilt.
While they re-signed Hachimura, Russell and Austin Reaves this summer, the Lakers also added a few other role players, including guard Gabe Vincent and 3-and-D wing Taurean Prince.
Brandon “Scoop B’ Robinson of Bally Sports posted a video of Prince and Vincent participating in a recent offseason workout, and he likes what he saw.
Gabe Vincent from the corner! https://t.co/09b2kyGT0m pic.twitter.com/vgdz1tHdfZ
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) August 24, 2023
Lakers have a solid group of role players in Gabe Vincent & Taurean Prince.
Last night the two worked out together & they look really good.
Prince has extended his range and his jumper looks decent.
Vincent off the screen and roll is gonna be a problem this coming season! pic.twitter.com/Y81kNW1ws9
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) August 24, 2023
Los Angeles has lacked a viable 3-and-D wing for some time now. Prince gives them a legitimate one, while the thinking is incoming second-year guard Max Christie could develop into another.
Meanwhile, Vincent should be a nice replacement for the outgoing Dennis Schroder. He is fresh off helping the Miami Heat unexpectedly reach the NBA Finals, and his defense, grit and ability to hit some 3-point shots will make him an asset to the Purple and Gold.