Lakers Big Man Marc Gasol Comments on ‘Risky’ New Wrinkle

The Los Angeles Lakers tried a new trick in the game against the Phoenix Suns. The team finished the night with a 123-110 win. Head coach Frank Vogel put Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell on the floor together and the big man talked about the new wrinkle. This was definitely a big challenge for both players.

The new trick didn’t provide big results but Vogel believes his team will continue to try it out.

According to the Lakers head coach, there are some benefits to playing lineups of this kind. Of course, lineups like this come with a big risk. Vogel decided to use his best players. Andre Drummond fits in the equation. These players will have to play big minutes to contribute to the game.

“I did like the way it looked like tonight. Think we’re getting better, again, playing with two bigs, whether it’s Anthony and Drum or Marc and Trezz together,” Vogel said. “I think it was a positive even though the overall net was a negative. I think it was a positive for the energy of our group.”

The Lakers are trying out new things and they will give Gasol, Garrell, and Drummond more minutes. The franchise gave the big man a starting role after he was signed off the buyout market.

Marc Gasol gets used to the new wrinkle

Gasol will need more time to get used to this. However, he may see a lineup where he stands next to Harrell.

“I think offensively it can work just fine just because of the nature of each other and how we play,” Gasol said after practice on Monday. “On the other side we have to do a better job of communicating and being on a string. Everyone needs to be aware that it’s an adjustment process when that lineup is on the floor.

“You have to be extra alert because we both are going to gravitate with our instincts a little more towards the ball, so we have to work in tandem and the other three guys need to be aware of that,” Gasol added. “They need to be a little more alert on rotations and communication, but it’s nothing that is not possible to work. You need to work at it, you need to have a growth mindset when you go through those things.”