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Los Angeles Lakers: 4 Lessons on upset shocker of the Denver Nuggets

By Ronald Agers

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 03: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball against Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Staples Center on May 03, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 03: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball against Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Staples Center on May 03, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Andre Drummond’s minutes might need to be given to Marc Gasol!

The NBA is all about matchups and this game was a prime example of this fact. Nikola Jokic had Andre Drummond in foul trouble all night long. If that wasn’t the case, Marc Gasol probably wouldn’t have seen the floor.

Wouldn’t you know it, but the Nuggets didn’t have an answer for him. Gasol was shooting lights out from beyond the arc.

He knocked down three of his four shots from behind the 3 point line. In 17 minutes he collected a game’s worth of stats with 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block.

Then Vogel sat him down and brought Andre Drummond back in the game. What happened? The Nuggets went on a 14-2 run before Gasol was brought back in the game. Drummond was saddled with fouls and out of rhythm the entire game and Vogel still rode with him.

This nearly cost the Lakers the game. Kyle Kuzma went on record saying this team needed him on the floor.

  • Drummond should get minutes and he can start, but he lacks some offense and defensive fundamentals. Marc is more skilled shooter and spreads the floor and opens up space for Anthony Davis AND the shooters
  • The team needs his passing right now with LBJ and Schroder out.

Gasol deserves a lot of credit for his professionalism and being ready. He even gave himself the nickname “Mr. Wolf” from the movie Pulp Fiction saying if he is needed break glass. They needed him and for the first time maybe all season, the head coach actually decided to break the glass.

Fun fact: Andre Drummond scored four points, (Checking notes…) ZERO REBOUNDS and five fouls!

If you have noticed, this page was about rotation patterns of Frank Vogel. Granted the team has to be creative to toe the line of getting the stars back in the fold along with winning games, but sometimes it would be nice if Vogel was actually creative!

He is still sticking with players that are wildly consistent. Who were they? Read on… 

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