The Los Angeles Lakers have taken yet another bold step in reshaping their roster and investing in future talent, as they have officially signed 19-year-old rookie Vincent Gave to the team. This surprise move comes at a pivotal time for the franchise, which is in the midst of balancing immediate championship aspirations with the long-term sustainability of its talent pipeline. With the Western Conference getting tighter and more competitive each season, the Lakers’ front office has made it clear they’re willing to embrace youth and potential in their roster decisions. Gave’s addition is more than just a name on the depth chart—it signals a philosophical pivot in how the Lakers intend to compete, build, and evolve as a franchise in the years to come.
Vincent Gave, a relatively unknown name to the casual basketball fan just weeks ago, has become a conversation centerpiece among scouts, analysts, and now the Lakers’ faithful. Originally from France, the 6-foot-6 shooting guard has been playing professionally overseas since he was 17, showcasing raw athleticism, sharp instincts, and a versatile skill set that caught the attention of NBA scouts during a series of international showcases. His defensive acumen, paired with a fluid scoring game that features a smooth jump shot and the ability to slash through lanes, made him a standout despite not playing in one of Europe’s premier leagues. The Lakers, always known for scouting talent globally, clearly saw enough in Gave to warrant a full contract—a signal that this isn’t just a training camp or two-way filler signing. This is a player they believe can develop into a key rotational piece or more in the years to come.
Gave’s signing is particularly intriguing given the current context of the Lakers’ roster. With LeBron James entering his 22nd NBA season and Anthony Davis remaining the team’s cornerstone big man, Los Angeles has largely operated in a win-now mode. Yet, under the leadership of new head coach J.J. Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka, the Lakers have also shown a renewed commitment to player development and integrating youth with veteran leadership. Drafting Dalton Knecht and acquiring Maxwell Lewis in the past year signaled that direction, and now adding Vincent Gave to the mix only strengthens that approach. Gave’s age, athleticism, and international experience place him in a unique developmental bracket—young enough to be molded, experienced enough not to be overwhelmed by the bright lights of Los Angeles.
From a tactical standpoint, Vincent Gave adds versatility to a Lakers backcourt that has struggled with consistency and depth. D’Angelo Russell’s return gives the team a known quantity at the point, while Austin Reaves has continued to ascend as a reliable two-way guard. However, injuries, matchup vulnerabilities, and over-reliance on older players have repeatedly come back to bite the Lakers in recent playoff runs. Gave’s length and defensive upside allow the team to throw different looks at opposing guards, especially on the perimeter, where the Lakers have been exploited in previous postseason series. Gave has shown flashes of being a disruptive defender, with quick hands, excellent lateral movement, and a high motor—all traits that could be sharpened under the mentorship of players like Reaves, Davis, and even LeBron.
Gave’s offensive contributions will be a work in progress, but that’s not to say he’s a project with no clear path to impact. In European play, he showed an impressive ability to hit open threes, attack closeouts, and read defenses quickly. While his handle still needs tightening against elite NBA defenders, his instincts and confidence with the ball suggest that he can be groomed into a serviceable secondary playmaker. His ability to play off-ball also fits well within the Lakers’ offensive scheme, especially when LeBron or Reaves initiates the offense. The Lakers’ need for consistent bench scoring has been a lingering issue, and while it’s unreasonable to expect Gave to solve that immediately, he offers another option that could help stabilize bench units over time.
What makes this signing even more significant is how it reflects on the Lakers’ approach to scouting and player development. In recent years, the team has been criticized for its reluctance to commit to young talent, often shipping out draft picks and prospects in pursuit of star power. The “win-now” model brought them a title in 2020 but left the cupboard bare in terms of long-term assets. Since then, the front office has appeared to recalibrate, drafting players like Knecht and Jalen Hood-Schifino while mining the undrafted market for gems like Austin Reaves. Signing Gave shows that the Lakers are not just reacting to the market—they’re proactively investing in undervalued talent from around the globe. The hope is that this hybrid model of veteran leadership and young upside can sustain the franchise through the eventual post-LeBron era.
