The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a $33 million problem – and it’s completely unclear what the ideal solution would be. The Lakers also have a problem with impatience – and the optimal amount of time before throwing in the towel is completely unclear.

It’s the most frustrating thing about the Lakers’ season so far: Gabe Vincent is an enigmatic figure and no one really knows how to evaluate his game.

On the one hand, Vincent was the best defensive player on an offensive-oriented team. His impact is consistent with that reputation, as Los Angeles allows 114.9 points per 100 possessions when he is on the court and 117.9 when he is not.

Vincent’s physicality and determination to fight for screens have brought a breath of fresh air to a team that ranks 27th in the NBA in defensive rating.

On the other hand, Vincent played no role on offense. He is averaging just 2.8 points and 0.6 assists per game in 2024-25 while shooting 30.3 percent from the field and 20.9 percent from distance.

As one of the most valuable defenders on a terrible defensive team and a minor offense on an elite offensive team, it begs the question: How big of a problem really is?

Vincent signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Lakers ahead of the 2023-24 season. Because of this high price, many expect consistent contributions in both directions, which is admittedly a reasonable expectation.

It’s also worth noting that Vincent gained momentum in free agency, ripping off six 20-point games in the 2023 playoffs and helping the Miami Heat reach the NBA Finals.

Unfortunately, Vincent has not yet found the offensive form that has made him an intriguing two-way player. He was the epitome of inefficiency, but was also reticent to shoot – averaging just 3.7 field goal attempts per game.

It’s unclear if that’s because of his role within the system or if it’s his own hesitant approach, but what’s clear is that he hasn’t gotten enough shots to get into any sort of rhythm.

The crucial context here is that Vincent missed 71 games in the 2023-24 season – making the early problems in the 2024-25 season all but inevitable. With that in mind, it’s easier to understand how a player who has played in 28 of the Lakers’ last 99 games could be struggling to find his footing less than a quarter into the current season.

It hasn’t done him any favors offensively that he’s playing on a team that has an abundance of scoring options, including fellow guards Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell.

Unfortunately, there’s no telling how patient the Lakers will need to be with Vincent – let alone what he could offer them if he finds his form. Optimistically, one would say that he will return to the quality that made him one of the Heat’s most valuable players, but how realistic is that belief?

As the weeks pass and the 2025 NBA trade deadline approaches, one can’t help but wonder how much longer the Lakers can remain patient with their $33 million man.