Update on status of Lakers guards Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino

Will Gabe Vincent or Jalen Hood-Schifino be able to play in the Lakers’ final preseason game of 2023?

The start of the 2023-24 regular season is just a week away, and teams are ramping up their preparation and intensity for the games that will actually count.

While the Los Angeles Lakers are 2-3 in the preseason, they have looked sharp when their regulars have been on the floor together. Guard Gabe Vincent, who was signed as a free agent in July, is one player who has done well, especially in terms of his outside shooting.

Meanwhile, rookie guard Jalen Hood-Schifino has struggled offensively, although he has shown promise as a playmaker.

Vincent has missed the Lakers’ last two games with back tightness while Hood-Schifino sat out their last contest on Sunday with a knee ailment. Both are reportedly day-to-day.

Meanwhile, forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who only played in L.A.’s preseason opener, will still be re-evaluated for a heel problem on Friday.

The Lakers will close their exhibition schedule on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns before they open their regular-season schedule on Oct. 24 at the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets.