USA Today via Reuters
Jan 3, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol (14) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) fight for the ball during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 3, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol (14) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) fight for the ball during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles is gearing up for another championship run this season. The Lakers were extremely busy in the off-season with new signings. But they also had to let a few players go along the way. Recently, the player who decided to leave could hurt the Lakers.
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Marc Gasol joined up with LA last season. He took the starting role on getting there. However, that quickly changed when Andre Drummond arrived. Hence, it wasn’t easy for Gasol to accept this downgrade.
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Marc Gasol is not over Lakers starting Andre Drummond
Gasol has been a valuable center in the NBA. Despite his age, the big man is one of the most versatile at his positions. The former Defensive Player of the Year arrived with expectations to start with the Lakers. While this was the case initially, it soon changed.
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Los Angeles, CA, Saturday, February 6, 2021 – Lakers teammates enjoy their pregame ritual before taking on the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
When the Lakers signed Drummond from the Pistons, Marc made his way to the bench and came on as a secondary center. Being promised a starting role, this deeply hurt Gasol. Likewise, it created a rift between him and the organization.
However, despite this, he stated that he would join the Lakers for this season. But, earlier this month, Gasol was sent away to his former team, Memphis Grizzlies. The 36 YO is most likely to be released as he wants to end his career in Spain for Girona.
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 03:. Lakers forward LeBron James and teammate Anthony Davis defend against Suns guard Chris Paul during the first quarter at Staples Center on Thursday, June 3, 2021 in Los Angeles, CA. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Gasol did receive the starting position in the playoffs after Drummond disappointed. However, it was too late for the Lakers as they took a surprise exit to Phoenix. The Lakers would have had great use for Gasol this season as a floor spacing big man.
With such a major loss, who will start at center for the purple and gold?
Who will take the center position?
The Lakers’ recent loss of Marc Gasol could potentially be a game-changer. While 36, he was one of the smartest defenders and his abilities would play great with someone like Westbrook on the floor. But, since he isn’t there, who will take the spot?
USA Today via Reuters
May 27, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) hangs in the air as he looks for a teammate to pass the ball to as Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) moves in to defend during game three in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers have 2 centers currently in their reserve. While they aren’t similar to Gasol, they are good in their own right as rim protectors. Notably, Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan. Their size and defensive presence can be hugely beneficial to the Lakers.
Moreover, Anthony Davis could also take the center spot. Did you want to see Marc Gasol with the Lakers this season? Let us know in the comments below.
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