2023 NBA Free Agency: 5 underrated deals that could shift NBA landscape

No. 2 underrated NBA free agency deal: Gabe Vincent to Lakers

Contract details: 3 years, $33 million

The Lakers’ guard rotation will look very different next season. Dennis Schroder took on significant bench duties last year as a veteran minimum signing. He even ended up starting in the Denver series. Now, he’s off to Toronto while his presumptive replacement, Gabe Vincent, joins LA’s title pursuit on a three-year contract.

Vincent is another product of #HeatCulture, just oozing with winning qualities that make this feel like a home run for the Lakers. D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves are both candidates to re-sign, but Vincent should have the starting point guard spot locked up no matter what. If he comes off the bench behind D’Lo, he’s a sneaky Sixth Man of the Year candidate — especially with the inherently bright spotlight on the Lakers.

Smaller guards can be hit-or-miss in the modern NBA, but Vincent was absolute aces as the lead ball-handler for a title team last season. He ultimately spent considerable time off the ball while Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo headlined the offense, but that’s exactly the role he’ll find himself in with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in LA. His spot-up shooting, off-ball movement, and quick decision-making will translate seamlessly to the Lakers’ offense.

6-foot-3 guards can only do so much on defense, but Vincent competes extremely hard at the point of attack. He’s strong for his size and blessed with quick hands that make him a regular pest for ball handlers looking to get downhill and initiate the offense. Vincent has proven that he can contribute on the biggest stage. The Lakers will place a lot of faith in him.