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LeBron James’ Brutal Honest Reaction To 69 Game Absentee’s Return After Lakers’ Blowout Loss Vs Pacers

Published 03/29/2024, 10:17 PM EDT

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After stringing together a 5 game-winning run, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers fall to the Indiana Pacers. While the fast-paced youngster put forth a test for their knees, the LA team kept up with most of it. However, the 109-90 loss came prominently due to a dismal 3-point shooting and inability to retain the ball. Together, the squad threw 16 possessions, giving Indiana an open court. Moreover, the Lakers only shot 5-30 from the three-point line (16.7%), making it the pivotal factor in their performance.

So, LeBron addressed the lingering questions about Gabe Vincent’s possible return to the court. Vincent was brought to LA for his sharpshooting, giving the Lakers a step up in the 3-point department. However, due to an early injury, he has missed 69 consecutive games. With the continued absence, LeBron James was probed about Vincent’s potential contributions to the 2nd unit.

Keeping things upfront, James resorted away from providing a breakdown. He said, “I really don’t even want to get into it too much, don’t want to put too much pressure on him.” Realizing that returning to court and returning to forms are different ventures, James said, “When he’s ready to go, it’ll be a bonus for our team.”

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James also radiates that the team, despite the rotational adjustments, will welcome the shooter with open arms. Regardless, LeBron encourages Gabe Vincent to take his time on the court, with zero pressures of being at full efficiency right away.

Vincent signed a 3 year $33 million deal out of the free agency in 2023 offseason. So far, Vincent has seen the court for only 5 games this season. He is in his first year with the Lakers, and yet to put forth his efficient services with the squad. He currently averages 5.4 points on a 37.5% clip, alongside 3 assists per game. The shooter underwent an arthroscopic surgery in late December, keeping him out of the court for majority of the season.

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Gabe Vincent is nearing his return

Earlier this week, Vincent was cleared for non-contact workout, with hopes of joining the team during their 6 road games. This update came after Vincent has seen weeks of practice court, solely focusing on his conditioning.

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Now, as Lakers’ 3-point struggles come to light, Vincent can join the squad in their upcoming game against the Brooklyn Nets. However, Vincent’s form will not be the only challenge for the Lakers in his return. Vincent averages nearly 25 minutes from previous 2 seasons, and will demand Darvin Ham to make time by cutting either Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell or Spencer Dinwiddie’s minutes.

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Written by:

Saahil Dhillan

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Saahil Dhillan is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports who discovered his basketball passion through the dynamic between Miami's LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Years later, Kobe Bryant reignited his love, transforming him into an extensive contributor who savors the matches, covers games live, analyzes post-game pressers, and reports on injuries. With his stories, he aims at making readers feel the intense drama unfolding on the court every day.
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Edited by:

Shivatmika Manvi