LOS ANGELES – The last month has been a difficult one for Marc Gasol. The Spanish basketball player was out of harm’s way with the Angels after testing positive for COVID-19. After recovering, he was ruled out of LeBron James and Anthony Davis due to injury. Not only that, but on the deadline for changes, the Angels signed Andre Drummond to start in the pivot position, which would leave Gasol in an alternate role.
“I’m not plan A right now, I’m plan C or D. You have to accept it because it’s my job and it’s what I committed to, but it’s never easy to accept. Especially when you’re asking if you’ve done something wrong. and you try to do everything for the team.I don’t care much about the subject of statistics, how many shots I have or rebounds, I try to help everyone, neutralize rivals.That’s life, I take it as a challenge or move on, “Gasol said after the Lakers’ victory over Sacramento.
Gasol returned to the starting eleven with the Angels this Friday, after new purple and gold signing Andre Drummond injured his right toe in his debut with the Lakers on Wednesday. Gasol is aware that his minutes of play will decrease after the arrival of Andre and this will take him away from the starting eleven.
“That’s life, things change and you have to adapt as quickly as possible,” the 36-year-old said. “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 and that’s winning the championship. That hasn’t changed.” .
Gasol had a great night for the Angels and was a key piece in the win over Kings. He played for 28 minutes, contributed five units, nine rebounds and six assists, handing out and creating play for his teammates. Last game, he played just six minutes 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’s happened to me, now I’m committed to the team. Of course it’s a difficult thing to pair, knowing that I’ll be out of lineup 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 regarding his future, 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. It is clear that with the arrival of Andre the depth in the position increases, but we need our best players to look to repeat the championship and Marc he is one of them. He is vital to us, “said the angel coach.
Frank Vogel has added that he wants everyone who can exercise in the position, Andre Drummond, Montrezl Harrell and Gasol himself, in important roles with the team. “The situation is that there are big conditionals in this, if they need me,” Marc said.