The Los Angeles Lakers enter this season as the defending champions. They overcame all adversities and were the most consistent and efficient team in the NBA last year, so improving that it’s not going to be an easy task.
That’s why Rob Pelinka and the team’s front office didn’t waste a single second while celebrating the championship. Instead, they picked up the phone and started making some moves to strengthen an already impressive roster.
The Lakers moved Danny Green and JaVale McGee while also letting Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard walk. They brought back Quinn Cook and Jared Dudley and replaced their missing guys with Wesley Matthews, Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell, and Marc Gasol.
Frank Vogel Raves About Marc Gasol’s Addition
But of all the aforementioned, it seems like coach Frank Vogel is more excited about Marc Gasol than anyone else. Apparently, he feels like his versatility and experiencewill provide his team with a much-needed X-Factor:
“It’s really remarkable the skillset Marc has at his size, the intelligence and ability to read defenses and whatnot,” Vogel said when he was asked about his team’s outlook ahead of the season.
Even if Marc Gasol is far from the Defensive Player of the Year he was during his days with the Memphis Grizzlies, he’s still one of the smartest, most skilled, and most versatile big men in the NBA.
His offensive numbers took a dip since he was traded to the Toronto Raptors but his defense, rebounding, and playmaking came pretty handily in their championship run, as well as during last season.
Also, his presence below the rim will allow Anthony Davis to play in the elbow and the perimeter where he thrives the most, so it’s pretty easy to know why coach Vogel is so excited about the Spaniard’s arrival.