LOS ANGELES – Last month was a difficult month for Marc Gasol. The Spanish basketball player was off the track with the Angelenos after testing positive for COVID-19. After his recovery, he encountered the victims of LeBron James and Anthony Davis as a result of an injury. Not only that, but on the trade deadline, the Angelenos signed Andre Drummond to start in the middle position, giving Gasol a backup role.
“I’m not plan A now, I’m plan C or D. You have to accept it because it’s my job and it’s what I’ve been committed to, but it’s never easy to accept. Especially when you’ve asked if you’ve done something wrong and you’re trying to do everything for the team. I don’t care much about the stats, how many shots I have or rebounds, I try to help everyone, neutralize the rivals. That’s life, I have to take it as a challenge or move on, ”said Gasol after the Lakers’ victory against Sacramento.
Gasol returned to the starting lineup with the Angels on Friday after purple and gold new hire Andre Drummond injured his right toe during his Lakers debut on Wednesday. Gasol is aware that his playing minutes will decrease after Andre’s arrival and this will take him away from the starting line-up.
“This is life, things change 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 achieve their goals and that is to win the championship. That has not changed “.
Gasol had a great night for the Angelenos and was key to their victory against Kings. He played for 28 minutes, contributed five units, nine rebounds and six assists, and divided and created play for his teammates. He played only six minutes last game until after 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’m committed to the team. It’s hard to digest, of course, knowing I’ll drop out of the lineup at some point. It’s never easy, as a basketball player you want to be able to participate and contribute ”.
Despite the Spanish basketball player’s unknowns about his future, it is the coach Frank Vogel count on him for the group’s plans this season.
“People need to understand how great a player Marc Gasol is and how much he helps us. Sure, with Andre’s arrival, the depth of the position increases, but we need our best players to try and repeat the championship and Marc is one of them. It’s vital to us, ”said the Los Angeles coach.
Frank Vogel added that he wants everyone who can serve in the position – Andre Drummond, Montrezl Harrell and Gasol himself – to have important roles on the team. “The situation is that there are good conditions if they need me,” said Marc.