Tag: Marc Gasol

Report: Lakers wanted to bring back Damian Jones in free agency; Kings guaranteed his contract

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly hoped to bring back center Damian Jones, but the Sacramento Kings guaranteed his contract.

The Los Angeles Lakers have a brewing dilemma at the center position as more news and rumors circulate.

Currently on the roster is Anthony Davis, who is expected to log more minutes at the five, Dwight Howard and Marc Gasol.

Gasol, however, isn’t a lock to return next year despite committing to complete his contract with L.A. after his run with Spain in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

With recent rumors of DeAndre Jordan possibly coming via buyout from the Brooklyn Nets and L.A. reportedly searching for centers in case Gasol doesn’t return, it appears L.A. tried re-adding another former Laker in free agency.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers wanted to bring back Damian Jones:

“League sources say that the Lakers had strong interest earlier in the summer in trying to reacquire Damian Jones, but Sacramento elected to retain Jones and make his contract guaranteed for the coming season even though the Kings already have Richaun Holmes, Tristan Thompson, Alex Len and (yes, still) Marvin Bagley III.”

Jones played eight games, and started six, for the Lakers last season on multiple 10-day contracts, but L.A. moved on instead of inking him to a guaranteed deal for the remainder of the season; Andre Drummond would later fill his spot.

The Sacramento Kings picked up Jones shortly after because of the efficiency he displayed in limited minutes. Jones averaged 5.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.9 blocks while shooting 94.1% overall and 91.7% from the charity stripe, albeit on low volume, in 14 minutes per game.

The 26-year-old center provided flashes of the rim-running, lob-threat big the Lakers desperately lacked after letting Howard and JaVale McGee walk, but the Kings guaranteed his near $2 million salary for the 2021-22 season instead of releasing him.

Jones will be an unrestricted free agent in 2022, but only time will tell if he’s ever donning the purple and gold again.

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Report: Lakers have explored signing other centers with Marc Gasol’s status unclear

The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for Marc Gasol’s possible departure, according to a report.

Most of the Los Angeles Lakers roster for the 2021-22 season seems sorted out, except for center Marc Gasol.

Gasol, who has one year left on his initial two-year deal he signed last offseason, has been up-and-down with his status for next season.

After the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he confirmed he would return to the Lakers and complete his contract.

READ: NBA 2K22 reveals Lakers’ Marc Gasol’s rating 

However, in recent weeks, he reportedly has backtracked on that initial commitment and is “not a lock” to return.

Considering Gasol is one of just two true centers on the team, along with Dwight Howard, whether Gasol will return is a crucial component to the team’s roster considering the lack of big man depth.

Since the 36-year-old center’s status is unclear, the Lakers have begun exploring the availability of centers in the market for a possible replacement, according to NBA insider Marc Stein:

“As discussed in a recent This Week In Basketball column, league sources say that L.A. has explored the pursuit of other centers even though Gasol has one year left on his original two-year deal.”

Some possible names include DeMarcus Cousins and Ersan Ilyasova, who both bring the pop factor from the perimeter as Gasol, a 40% 3-point shooter, did last year.

Another possibility is Brooklyn Nets center DeAndre Jordan. The Nets have recently signed Paul Millsap, and LaMarcus Aldridge’s return could be on the horizon.

That could push Jordan, who already fell out of the rotation, completely out of the equation. Brooklyn has already discussed a buyout for Jordan, and the Lakers are a team to watch if he’s available, even though the fit isn’t optimal.

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Report: Lakers’ Marc Gasol not a lock to return to team for next season

Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol reportedly isn’t guaranteed to return next season despite him confirming he would earlier in Tokyo.

While the Los Angeles Lakers continue to browse the free agent market for more players to complete the roster, there’s still a possibility one may depart.

Marc Gasol, who signed a two-year deal last season, has been on an unsteady boat about his future since the season came to an end.

Gasol was the primary starting center for much of last season until the Lakers signed Andre Drummond as a buyout candidate for the remainder of the season.

READ: NBA 2K22 reveals Lakers’ Marc Gasol’s rating

Though Gasol’s fit on paper was more smooth alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the frontcourt, Frank Vogel opted for Drummond to start instead.

Despite confirming during the Tokyo Olympics he’d return to the Lakers to finish his contract, longtime NBA reporter Marc Stein reports that isn’t guaranteed still:

I’m hearing that Marc Gasol is not a lock to return to the Lakers, even after Gasol said following Spain’s quarterfinal loss to the United States in the Olympics that he intends to play out the final year of the two-year deal he signed with Los Angeles. It’s not yet clear if that means Gasol is poised to be set free to play elsewhere in the NBA or if he would ultimately opt to finish his career in his home country like brother Pau.

At the moment, the Lakers have only Gasol and Dwight Howard as the pure centers on the team.

Davis could move up to center to improve the spacing with Russell Westbrook joining the team, but Gasol gives L.A. a 40-percent threat from beyond the arc, which isn’t easy to find in centers.

If Gasol, 36, does leave the team, L.A. would need to replace his spot with another big man because the depth there is thin.

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NBA 2K22 reveals Lakers’ Marc Gasol’s rating

Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol had his NBA 2K22 rating revealed.

NBA 2K22 is gradually rolling out the player ratings for the latest edition of the popular game.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is starting the season as one of the highest-rated players in the game with an overall 96.

READ: LeBron James disagrees with Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry’s NBA 2K22 ratings

James is tied with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry with the best rating in the game, and more ratings beyond the top 10 are being revealed.

Lakers center Marc Gasol, who just finished his first season with the franchise, is one of the top players from Spain, via NBA 2K Espana:

Gasol’s overall 75 is the third-best mark for a Spanish player, which is tied with Juancho and Willy Hernangomez.

The 36-year-old center confirmed he’d return to the Lakers for another season to finish the second year of his deal.

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NBA free agency: Projected lineup for Lakers with Russell Westbrook

The Los Angeles Lakers always generate a ton of headlines but this year, that has happened even more as they have added several big names.

The Los Angeles Lakers always generate a ton of headlines, but this year that has happened even more as they have added several big names.

Whether it’s new names like Russell Westbrook or Carmelo Anthony or familiar faces like Trevor Ariza or Dwight Howard returning home, the Lakers are as star-studded as ever. So we wanted to take a look at what their lineup is going to resemble when the season begins.

Note that this depth chart will be inherently incomplete until we know the status of Dennis Schroeder and Talen Horton-Tucker. The Lakers can also spend the $5.9 million taxpayers’ midlevel exception to add more depth, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks. They can potentially retain Wesley Matthews and Markieff Morris as well.

We already know that the roster is old – there are five players who are older than 35 years old and eight players over 32 years old – but for now, here is a better idea of what the depth chart looks like in Los Angeles.

Lakers’ Marc Gasol makes Spain’s 12-man roster for Tokyo Olympics

Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol will play for Spain at the Tokyo Olympics.

Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol was named to Spain’s 12-man roster for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the team announced.

Gasol, 36, will represent his country for the third time at the Olympic level. Gasol was on Spain’s roster in 2008 and 2012 when the country won the silver medal both times.

Spain had selected Gasol to its 18-man preliminary roster for exhibition games leading up the tournament, but six players needed to be cut as only 12 can head to Tokyo.

Joining Gasol on Spain’s roster are former Laker and brother, Pau Gasol, Ricky Rubio, Juancho Hernangomez and Willy Hernangomez; the latter three are in the NBA.

Here’s the full roster, via Team Spain’s basketball Twitter:

Gasol is slated to be the only Laker playing in Tokyo. Anthony Davis reportedly wanted to focus on healing from an injury-riddled season, and LeBron James subtly declined during a press conference by referencing his new movie, “Space Jam: A New Legacy”.

Dennis Schroder could’ve represented Germany, who won the qualifying tournament to make the Olympics, but his status as an unrestricted free agent posed insurance issues.

Spain kicks off the Olympics against the hosts, Japan, on July 26 at 5:00 a.m. PST.

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Lakers’ Marc Gasol selected to Spain’s preliminary roster for Tokyo Olympics

Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol could represent Spain at the Tokyo Olympics.

With the Tokyo Olympics about a month away from starting, international basketball teams are sorting out rosters for who will represent their country on the big stage.

For Spain’s National Basketball Team, 18 players have been selected for the preliminary roster.

Among the selections is Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol, who has represented Spain in previous Olympics.

Gasol played for Spain at the Olympics in 2008 and 2012, where he helped the team to a silver medal on both occasions.

Also on the roster is Marc’s older brother and Lakers legend, Pau Gasol, who recently won a championship with FC Barcelona in Spain.

The roster also has other former and current NBA players like Rudy Fernandez, Ricky Rubio, Juancho Hernangomez and Alex Abrines.

Gasol could be the only Laker representing the franchise in Tokyo. Anthony Davis reportedly won’t play, and LeBron James subtly declined by saying he’s playing for the Tune Squad instead for his upcoming movie, “Space Jam: A New Legacy.”

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Marc Gasol: Lakers have ‘plenty of confidence’ to win without Anthony Davis

Marc Gasol expressed confidence in the team winning without Anthony Davis in the rotation.

The Los Angeles Lakers are situated in a precarious situation heading into Game 5 against the Phoenix Suns.

With star big man Anthony Davis’ status in question before tipoff, Los Angeles needs their role players to perform much better than they have throughout the first four games.

LeBron James, who L.A. needs to be aggressive in every minute he plays, said after Game 4 that he’s “ready for the challenge“.

But every other Laker not named LeBron also needs to be ready, as replacing Davis’ production can’t rely on just one specific player. Every player who registers minutes will need to contribute efficiently in any aspect of the game.

Dennis Schroder will need to shoot better than the 3-of-13 clip he had in Game 4. Andre Drummond’s defense in the paint must improve. Kyle Kuzma must be aggressive when handling the ball, and similar to Schroder, he has to start making shots.

It’s uncertain how the game will transpire for the Lakers, who haven’t posted palatable numbers on offense.

However, Marc Gasol, who delivered a standout outing in Game 4, said after the game that the Lakers are confident it can win without Davis, via LakersNation:

Gasol came through for Los Angeles off the bench in Sunday’s loss, posting 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three blocks and a steal in 23 minutes.

He also made 3-of-5 (60 percent) 3-pointers in a game where L.A. went 13-of-40 (32.5 percent) from beyond the arc, putting his two-way prowess on display.

The former Defensive Player of the Year will need to recreate that level of performance if Davis cannot play.

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Lakers at Knicks: Lineups, injury report and broadcast info for Monday

The Los Angeles Lakers continue their weekend in New York City with a trip to Madison Square Garden.

The Los Angeles Lakers only have two games remaining on their current Eastern Conference road trip, including tonight’s visit to Madison Square Garden to face off against the New York Knicks. And unlike in recent seasons, a visit to Madison Square Garden should make for some very competitive basketball.

The Knicks are solid this season, even though they’ve struggled to win games over few weeks. The Knicks still grind it out on defense and that’s how they have been able to put themselves in playoff position under new coach Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks rank 3rd in defensive rating coming into tonight, making tonight’s game a match-up of top defenses.

In addition to the defense, the Knicks have gotten a career-best season from former Lakers lottery pick Julius Randle, who played his way into his first All-Star selection.

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

  • Date: Monday, April 12
  • Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
  • TV Channel: Spectrum SportsNet (LA), MSG Networks (New York)

READ: The 101 greatest nicknames in NBA history

Injury Report:

Los Angeles: Kyle Kuzma (left calf strain), Marc Gasol (hamstring tightness), and Wesley Matthews (Achilles tightness) are questionable. Anthony Davis (Achilles) and LeBron James (high ankle sprain) are out, but expected to come back in the next couple of weeks.

New York: Center Mitchell Robinson (broken foot) is out. The rest of the injury report not yet submitted after they played on Sunday night against the Toronto Raptors.

Probable starting lineups

Los Angeles Lakers

  • F Kyle Kuzma
  • F Markieff Morris
  • C Andre Drummond
  • G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
  • G Dennis Schroder

New York Knicks

  • F Reggie Bullock
  • F Julius Randle
  • C Nerlens Noel
  • G Elfrid Payton
  • G RJ Barrett

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Lakers at Knicks: Lineups, injury report and broadcast info for Monday

The Los Angeles Lakers continue their weekend in New York City with a trip to Madison Square Garden.

The Los Angeles Lakers only have two games remaining on their current Eastern Conference road trip, including tonight’s visit to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks. Unlike in recent seasons, a visit to Madison Square Garden should make for some very competitive basketball.

The Knicks are solid this season, even though they’ve struggled to win games over few weeks. The Knicks grind it out on defense, and that’s how they have put themselves in playoff position under new coach Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks rank third in defensive rating coming into Monday night, making tonight’s game a matchup of top defenses.

In addition to the defense, the Knicks have gotten a career-best season from former Lakers lottery pick Julius Randle, who played his way into his first All-Star selection.

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

  • Date: Monday, April 12
  • Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
  • TV Channel: Spectrum SportsNet (LA), MSG Networks (New York)

READ: The 101 greatest nicknames in NBA history

Injury Report:

Los Angeles: Kyle Kuzma (left calf strain), Marc Gasol (hamstring tightness) and Wesley Matthews (Achilles tightness) are questionable. Anthony Davis (Achilles) and LeBron James (high ankle sprain) are out, but expected to come back in the next couple of weeks.

New York: Center Mitchell Robinson (broken foot) is out. The rest of the injury report had not been submitted after they played on Sunday night against the Toronto Raptors.

Probable starting lineups

Los Angeles Lakers

  • F Kyle Kuzma
  • F Markieff Morris
  • C Andre Drummond
  • G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
  • G Dennis Schroder

New York Knicks

  • F Reggie Bullock
  • F Julius Randle
  • C Nerlens Noel
  • G Elfrid Payton
  • G RJ Barrett

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