Marc Gasol may have just been doing his best since joining the Los Angeles Lakers in Tuesday’s 110-101 win over the Toronto Raptors, but LA coach Frank Vogel remained resolute: Andre Drummond is the starting point of the team.
“No, we’re going to start Andre. That’s what we signed it here for, ”said Vogel. “We have to [Drummond] a lot of minutes to get him used to our system with only X number of games before the playoffs, and he will be our starter. [Gasol’s performance] does not change that. “
Vogel made his comments after being asked if Gasol’s performance on Tuesday gave him something to reconsider. Gasol had 13 points in the season and leveled his season highs with nine rebounds and four blocks, allowing the Lakers to build a 34-point lead.
Gasol, who initially declined a role change and told reporters last week that Drummond’s addition was “a hard pill to swallow,” was fully on board with the idea of making room for the buyout market after the Raptors game.
“I’m ready. I’m going to tell you this: I’m totally committed to the team. I’ll be ready when my number is called,” said Gasol. “I understand we need to get Andre used to what we’re trying to do. We need to get our two most important guys back – Source [LeBron James] and AD [Anthony Davis] every time they come back – and they have to get that group going and start some chemistry with the first unit in front of them. I’ll be ready no matter what. It doesn’t matter if it’s five minutes, or ten minutes, whether it’s any position. If it’s a few nights I might not play. But I’ll be ready no matter what. I made that commitment.
“It’s been a process for me to reassess this situation a little bit, but like I said, I’m totally committed to this team. So whatever is thrown at me, I’ll be ready.”
Drummond has missed the Lakers’ past three games since his debut due to a bruised big toe and a torn toenail on his right foot. Vogel said Drummond attended LA practice in Tampa Bay, Florida on Monday, but still experienced some “tenderness” in his toe before the Toronto game.
“We are hopeful that he will play Miami,” Vogel said of Drummond, looking ahead to the Lakers’ next game on Thursday against the Heat.
Vogel insisted that “all three of those guys” – Drummond, Gasol and Montrezl Harrell – will need that playing center for LA as the team advances into the post-season in hopes of defending the championship.
As for Gasol, who averaged 9.7 points on 60% shooting, 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 gave a reminder of what he has left in the tank.
“You know, I can take a few shots. I can hit the post. I can pass the ball,” he said. “I can do a few things very well every now and then.”