Lakers’ Marc Gasol Responds to Getting Benched Despite Recent Surge

The Los Angeles Lakers signed Andre Drummond for a reason and this left little room for action for the Spanish native. Marc Gasol responds to all those talking about the fact that Frank Vogel benched him following Drummond’s signing.

Gasol was really frustrated. He lost his starting job and maybe he could get bought out. But, Drummond suffered an injury in his debut with the Lakers. Gasol got a lot of time on the floor and played really well. LA got him for a reason, right? Well, Gasol may be playing great but Vogel will use Drummond in the starting lineup. Simple as that.

“No, we’re going to start Andre. That’s what we signed him here for,” Vogel said after Tuesday’s 110-101 win over the Toronto Raptors. “We need to get [Drummond] a ton of minutes to get him acclimated to our system with only X amount of games before the playoffs, and he’ll be our starter. … [Gasol’s performance] doesn’t change that.”

Marc Gasol responds to the fact that Frank Vogel benched him

Gasol put up a season-high 13 points in the game against the Toronto Raptors. His defense improved. But, it was a little too late and he is losing his starting job.

“I’ll stay ready. I’m going to tell you this: I’m fully committed to the team. I’ll stay ready when my number is called,” Gasol said. “I understand we have to get Andre acclimated to what we’re trying to do. We have to get back our two main guys – Bron and AD whenever they come back – and they have to get that group going and get some chemistry going with the first unit for them. I’ll be ready no matter what happens. No matter if it’s five minutes, 10 minutes, if it’s whatever position. If it’s some nights, I might not play. But I’ll stay 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 fully committed to this team. So, whatever is thrown at me, I’ll be ready.”

LA looks great despite the absence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.