Lakers Name Vincent Starter as Team Prepares for Season Opener

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant adjustment to their starting lineup ahead of the 2025-26 season opener. Coach JJ Redick announced that Gabe Vincent will fill in for the injured LeBron James during the team’s first game against the Golden State Warriors on October 24, 2025. This decision comes after Vincent demonstrated his skills during the preseason, scoring 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting in the Lakers’ final preseason match, a narrow loss to the Sacramento Kings, ending their preseason with a record of 1-5.

Vincent’s performance has garnered attention, especially after his standout game against the Dallas Mavericks, where he scored 18 points in just four minutes, hitting all five of his three-point attempts. “I think I just bring what I’ve been doing since I’ve been here,” Vincent stated regarding his role in the starting lineup. He emphasized his focus on defense, playmaking, and creating space for teammates like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

While Vincent steps into the starting position, LeBron James is not expected to return until mid-November due to ongoing recovery from sciatica affecting his right side. The Lakers will rely on Vincent alongside Doncic, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, and others to kick off their season.

Redick acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the starting lineup, saying, “I don’t know anything about who I’m going to be starting the rest of the season, because, again, there’s injuries, and there are things that happen throughout a year.” He noted the importance of evaluating matchups as the season progresses.

Despite the excitement surrounding the new lineup, Redick expressed concern about the team’s defensive performance after allowing 59 points in the second half against the Kings, who shot 54.7% overall. “I think in practice we were more physical,” Doncic remarked, highlighting the need to improve their physicality ahead of the season opener.

The Lakers faced additional challenges during the preseason, as center Jaxson Hayes left the game against Sacramento with a right wrist contusion. Fortunately, X-rays returned negative, and an update on Hayes’ condition is expected following practice on Sunday.

In the interim, the Lakers will look to Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, to enhance their defensive intensity. Smart, who contributed 14 points and four steals off the bench against the Kings, expressed his commitment to leading by example. “Just follow my lead. I’m going to try to set the tone each and every night,” he said.

As the Lakers prepare for the season opener, the focus remains on tightening their game strategies and establishing a cohesive team dynamic, especially in the absence of their star player. With two practices remaining before the opener, the coaching staff will be working diligently to address the team’s deficiencies and make final adjustments to the lineup.