Gabe Vincent has shed light on his decision to join the Los Angeles Lakers instead of staying with the Miami Heat, a team he helped reach the NBA Finals. The Lakers signed Vincent to a three-year, $33 million deal, and he was initially seen as a promising addition for fans of the Purple and Gold. Vincent had previously been the starting point guard for the Miami Heat, a team that had recently made it to the NBA Finals. His skills were seen as a good fit alongside star players LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
However, since joining the Lakers, Vincent hasn’t reached the same heights as he did with the Heat. This has led some to speculate that his success was due to the strong culture and system under head coach Erik Spoelstra in Miami. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old combo guard explained that his move to Los Angeles was the most logical choice, considering the Heat’s financial constraints, which made retaining him a challenging proposition.
Vincent highlighted the change in his value, especially after a strong playoff run, which made it more difficult for the Miami Heat to keep him. He acknowledged that Miami wanted him back, and he was naturally inclined to return to the team he had just reached the Finals with and had been a part of for the last three or four seasons. However, the changed circumstances necessitated a different decision.
During his time with the Heat, Gabe Vincent was an ideal fit for the gritty Heat team. He was an above-average defender at the point of attack, kept the ball moving, and could make challenging shots off the dribble. Staying with the Heat would have been more convenient for him, as it would have required less adjustment compared to his current situation with the Lakers.
However, the Heat were facing salary cap constraints, nearing the luxury tax apron without even making moves in free agency. This financial situation also prevented them from pursuing players like Bradley Beal. Given these circumstances, Vincent’s decision to accept the best offer available is entirely justified, especially considering that he had earned only around $3.5 million during his time in Miami.
Currently sidelined for at least the next two weeks due to a left knee injury, Gabe Vincent’s priority should now be regaining his health and contributing to the Lakers to the best of his abilities once he returns from injury.