Marc Gasol may have made just his best effort since joining the Los Angeles Lakers in the 110-101 victory over Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, but LA coach Frank Vogel was adamant: Andre Drummond is the starting lineup of the team.
“No, we’re going to start Andre. That’s what we signed him for here,” Vogel said. ‘We have to get [Drummond] a ton of minutes to accommodate him to the system with only X amount of games before the playoffs, and he will be our starter. … [Gasol’s performance] do not change it. ‘
Vogel made his remarks after being asked if Gasol’s actions on Tuesday give him anything to reconsider. Gasol scored a season-high 13 points and tied its season-highs with nine rebounds and four blocks, which helped the Lakers build a 34-point lead.
Gasol, who was initially deterred from a role change and told reporters last week that Drummond’s addition “was a hard pill to swallow”, was completely on board with the idea of taking place after the Raptors game make for the buyout market.
“I will stay ready. I will tell you this: I am fully committed to the team. I will stay ready when my number is called,” Gasol said. “I understand that we need to get Andre used to what we’re trying to do. We need to get our two most important guys – Source – back. [LeBron James] and AD [Anthony Davis] when they come back – and they have to get the group going and get chemistry going with the first unit for them. I will be ready no matter what happens. No matter if it’s five minutes, 10 minutes, or whatever. If it’s a few nights, I can not play. But I will stay ready no matter what. I made that commitment.
“It was a process for me to reevaluate this situation a bit, but like 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 big toe and torn toenail on his right foot. Vogel said Drummond took part in the LA practice in Tampa Bay, Florida on Monday, but he experienced another “tenderness” in his toes before the Toronto game.
“We’re hopeful he plays against Miami,” Vogel said of Drummond. He was looking forward to the Lakers’ next game on the schedule, Thursday against the Heat.
Vogel insisted that ‘all three guys’ – Drummond, Gasol and Montrezl Harrell – would need the play center for LA as the team makes a march to the post-season in hopes of defending its championship.
As for Gasol, who has shot Drummond 60 times in the last three games, shooting 7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.7 blocks, which Drummond missed while beating the Lakers 2-1, the 36-year-old has a memory given to what he said. left in 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 a few things right now and then.”