Marc Gasol could have put in all his effort since joining the Los Angeles Lakers in Tuesday’s 110-101 victory over the Toronto Raptors, but LA coach Frank Vogel remained determined: Andre Drummond is the team’s starting center. .
“No, we’ll start Andre. That’s why I signed him here,” Vogel said. “It simply came to our notice then [Drummond] a ton of minutes to adapt it to our system with only X amounts of games before the playoffs and he will be our holder. … [Gasol’s performance] it doesn’t change that. “
Vogel made his remarks after being asked if Gasol’s performance on Tuesday offered him something to reconsider. Gasol had a maximum season score of 13 points and equaled his season highs with nine rebounds and four blocks, helping the Lakers gain a 34-point lead.
Gasol, who initially opposed a change of role, told reporters last week that Drummond’s addition was “a hard pill to swallow,” he was fully on board with the idea of making room for the purchase market after the Raptors game.
“I will stay prepared. I will tell you this: I am fully dedicated to the team. I will remain ready when my number is called,” Gasol said. “I understand that we have to adapt Andre to what we are trying to do. We have to bring back our two main boys – Bron [LeBron James] and AD [Anthony Davis] whenever they come back – and they have to get the group up and running and start chemistry with the first unit for them. I’ll be ready no matter what happens. It doesn’t matter if it’s five minutes, 10 minutes, if it’s any position. If it’s nights, I might not play. But I will stay prepared, no matter what. I made this commitment.
“It was a process for me to re-evaluate this situation a bit, but, as I said, I am fully committed to this team. So whatever is thrown at me, I will be ready.”
Drummond has missed the Lakers’ last three games since his debut due to a bruised thumb and broken fingernails. Vogel said Drummond attended the LA practice in Tampa Bay, Florida on Monday, but still faces a “sensitivity” in his toe before the Toronto game.
“We hope he will play against Miami,” Vogel said of Drummond, looking forward to the Lakers’ next game on Thursday against the Heat.
Vogel insisted that “all three boys” – Drummond, Gasol and Montrezl Harrell – will need this center of play for Los Angeles, as the team moves into the postseason in hopes of defending its championship. .
As for Gasol, who averaged 9.7 points at 60%, 7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.7 blocks in the last three games Drummond missed while the Lakers went 2-1, the 36-year-old recalled going to the tank.
“You know, I can make a few shots. I can play in the post. I can pass the ball,” he said. “I can do some pretty good things from time to time.”