Account
Lakers' Marc Gasol out vs. Suns Because of NBA's Health and Safety Protocols
March 2, 2021
Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol will not play against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday due to the NBA's health and safety protocols, per the league's 5:30 p.m. ET injury report.
The 13-year NBA veteran, who is in his first season with the Lakers, is the third player on the team to miss time this year due to the league's health and safety protocols. Guards Alex Caruso (five games) and Dennis Schroder (four games) both missed time earlier this season but are back with the team.
Gasol has averaged 4.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 blocks in 20.1 minutes per contest. He has started all 35 of the Lakers' games.
Lakers head coach Frank Vogel told reporters pregame, per Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen & Roll, that he didn't know whether the center would be available for the Lakers' matchup at the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.
The Lakers' entire starting frontcourt is now sidelined as Anthony Davis continues to miss time with a right calf strain and an aggravation of his right Achilles tendinosis.
Montrezl Harrell will start in Gasol's absence. The backup big man has averaged 13.7 points on 63.0 percent shooting and 6.4 rebounds in 24.0 minutes per game.
This could also be an opportunity to give Damian Jones some minutes, although Vogel said he wasn't sure he would be available. Jones dealt with back tightness in his last game, per Lakers reporter Mike Trudell.
The 6'11" big man recently signed a 10-day contract with the Lakers and had eight points, three rebounds and two blocks in eight minutes of action against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. Jones would be facing off against his old team in the Suns, who waived him on Feb. 23.
The Suns at Lakers matchup will begin at 10 p.m. ET in Staples Center.