Marc Gasol hasn’t quite lived up to expectations with the Los Angeles Lakers, and that was a big reason why they went out and signed Andre Drummond following his buyout with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With Drummond coming in, former All-Star Gasol has seen his role diminish, which wasn’t easy for him to accept. However, he has reaffirmed his commitment to the Purple and Gold after initially expressing uncertainty about his future with the team.
“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 [LeBron James] and AD [Anthony Davis] 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.”
A player as accomplished as Gasol has every right to be frustrated with his current situation, but he is showing extreme professionalism in expressing his willingness to stay ready for when his name is called out there on the court. Come playoff time, he still has the ability to provide good shooting, playmaking and interior defense in critical situations.
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