LOS ANGELES – The last month has been a difficult one for Marc Gasol. The Spanish basketball player was off the field with Angelenos after testing positive for COVID-19. After recovering, he met the victims of LeBron James and Anthony Davis due to the injury. Not only that, but at the end of the trading period, Angelenos signed Andre Drummond to start in the central position, leaving Gasol in a secondary role.
“I am not plan A right now, I am plan C or D. You have to accept it because it is my job and it is what I have committed, but it is never easy to accept. Especially when you asked if you did something wrong and you try to do everything for the team. I don’t care too much about statistics, how many shots I have or recoveries, I try to help everyone, to neutralize rivals. That’s life, I have to take it as a challenge or move on, “Gasol said after the Lakers’ victory over Sacramento.
Gasol returned to the starting lineup with Angels on Friday after the new purple and gold employee Andre Drummond injured his right finger in the Lakers debut on Wednesday. Gasol is aware that his minutes will decrease after Andre’s arrival and this will take him away from the starting lineup.
“This is life, things are changing and you have to adapt as soon as possible,” said the 36-year-old. “When I signed with the team, it was to contribute, to help the team, especially the two stars (LeBron and Davis), to help them in their goals, namely to win the championship. That hasn’t changed. “
Gasol had a great night for Angelenos and was the key to victory against Kings. He played 28 minutes, contributed five units, nine rebounds and six assists, distributing and creating play for his teammates. The last game, he played only six minutes until Drummond’s injury in the second half.
Gasol does not know what his future will be with the team. “Things can change quickly in the NBA, it happened to me, now I am employed in the team. Of course, it’s a difficult thing to digest, knowing that I will get out of line at some point. It’s never easy, as a basketball player, you want to be able to participate and contribute “.
Despite the unknown of the Spanish basketball player about his future, the coach Frank Vogel count on him for the group’s plans this season.
“People need to understand how great a Marc Gasol player is and how much he helps us. Of course, with the arrival of Andre, the depth of the position increases, but we need our best players to try to repeat the championship, and Marc is one of them. It’s vital for us, “said the Los Angeles coach.
Frank Vogel added that he wants everyone who can serve in this position – Andre Drummond, Montrezl Harrell and Gasol himself – to play important roles in the team. “The situation is that there are wonderful conditions in this, if they need me,” said Marc.