The Los Angeles Lakers (16-14) are getting some brutal news hours before their Christmas Day face-off with the Boston Celtics (22-6). Guard Gabe Vincent, who recently returned after missing almost two months of action, will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

The recovery timetable is six-to-eight weeks. Obviously, this is a big blow to a Lakers team that could use some reinforcements after a rough recent stretch that has seen them lose four of their last five games. But it is utterly devastating news for the player himself, especially when considering how hard he worked to get back on the court in the first place.

Vincent had been sidelined with a knee injury he suffered at the end of October before returning last Wednesday in a 124-108 loss to the Chicago Bulls. He played only 14 minutes, scored three points on 1-of-3 shooting and dished out three assists. The swelling on his knee quickly came back, leading to this brutal development.

Lakers are again facing a ton of adversity in the first half of the season

Injuries affect all teams of course, but having a healthy roster is especially crucial for the Lakers. It will be difficult for them to go on another deep postseason run if they are forced to play from behind in the standings, as was the case last year. The team must have something left in the tank if it is going to best the reigning champion Denver Nuggets and the other formidable foes in this Western Conference gauntlet.

Gabe Vincent is a key part of that preservation plan. He broke out in the playoffs with the Miami Heat and is another scorer head coach Darvin Ham can rely upon when LeBron James or Anthony Davis is not on the floor. Austin Reaves is serving that role effectively already, but Vincent is a potential X-factor.

Lakers fans will have to wait a long time to see this team at full strength. LA presses on, with tip-off for its big game against the Celtics set for 5 p.m. ET.