Injured Lakers guard hoping to return to lineup in time for Knicks game

After hosting the Raptors on Monday, the New York Knicks will start a four-game road trip out West before returning to the city to play at Barclays. New York will begin in Utah, go to Phoenix, and end in Los Angeles to play against the Clippers and Lakers.

The Knicks will get their first look at the recently crowned In-Season Tournament champions on Dec. 18. The Lakers have won their last four games, with impressive conference wins over the Suns and Pelicans. With LeBron James playing at an MVP level, Los Angeles is looking to keep its hot streak going.

The Lakers have been without Gabe Vincent, who has been sidelined for the past few weeks with a right knee injury. The Athletic's Shams Charania reported on Monday that the guard hopes to be back in time for next week's game against New York (subscription required).

Lakers guard Gabe Vincent targeting return against Knicks on Dec. 18

Gabe Vincent has only played in four games for the Lakers this season, averaging 6.0 points and 3.0 assists. He shot 39.3% from the field and 7.1% from three in that short span. Los Angeles signed him to a four-year, $34 million deal in free agency over the summer after he averaged 12.7 points per game in the playoffs, shooting 37.8% from deep.

The Knicks know Vincent well, as he was one of the Heat's secret weapons in the postseason. He hasn't had that same effect with the Lakers, and LA has looked just fine in his absence. Still, knowing how unlucky New York is, it wouldn't be a surprise if Vincent came out firing if he can play next Monday.

Regardless of if the Lakers are with or without Vincent, it'll still be a tough matchup for the Knicks. Mitchell Robinson will miss the game as he's set to undergo ankle surgery, meaning New York will be without its best big man against Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Maybe the Knicks will still be able to pull out a win, as with Jalen Brunson, anything is possible.