Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent has decided against joining the New York Knicks on a non-guaranteed training camp deal, choosing to wait for a more secure NBA opportunity. This news comes as the Lakers themselves are in a strong stretch, having just defeated the Houston Rockets 98-78 on May 2, 2026, as part of a recent run of three wins in their last five games.
Vincent's time with the Lakers was defined by persistent injuries. Shortly after signing a three-year, $33 million deal in 2023, he developed swelling in his left knee. That issue required arthroscopic surgery in December 2023, limiting him to just 11 games in his first season. He never found a consistent rhythm in a backcourt that already featured D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves.
His second season saw more availability, but his offensive production didn't match his 2023 playoff run with Miami. The Lakers needed reliable shooting and secondary playmaking around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Vincent's role became harder to justify as his numbers dipped and more injuries surfaced. He averaged 4.8 points and 1.3 assists over 29 games in the 2025-26 campaign.
In February 2026, the Lakers made a decisive move. They traded Gabe Vincent and a future second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for sharpshooter Luke Kennard. At the time of the trade, Kennard was leading the NBA in three-point percentage at 49.7%. For the Lakers, it was a straightforward swap of an expiring contract for a specialist who addressed a clear team weakness. You can review the current roster composition on our roster page.
Vincent's difficult experience in Los Angeles explains his current caution. After injuries and shifting rotations limited his chance to rebuild his value, he now needs guaranteed playing time as much as he needs a contract. A return to the Miami Heat is a possibility he would welcome, but no formal offer has been made public.
Miami offers familiarity with coach Erik Spoelstra's system, but it may not provide the firm role Vincent seeks. For now, he remains one of the more notable free agents available. His decision to bypass New York's camp competition signals a player willing to be patient, prioritizing a defined role over just getting a foot in the door.
The Lakers' front office moved on from Vincent to bolster their perimeter shooting, and the team's recent results show a mixed but positive trend. Their last five games, all against the Houston Rockets, resulted in a 3-2 record (WLLWW). The sequence included a 101-94 win on April 22, a 112-108 victory on April 25, a 115-96 loss on April 27, a 93-99 defeat on April 30, and the commanding 98-78 win to close the series on May 2.
