As the Lakers started 6’7 two-way contract player Devontae Cacok at center and brought the 6’8 Montrezl Harrell off the bench against the Pelicans in New Orleans, normal starter Marc Gasol could be seen on the sidelines for the team. He has cleared quarantine and is able to be around the Lakers after missing 18 days in the NBA’s intentionally vague COVID-19 health and safety protocols, but is still working on his conditioning on the floor before games to get ready for a return to action.
So no matter how much the Lakers could use another big with Anthony Davis also out, Damian Jones’ second 10-day contract expired and lacking any other seven-footers as a result, the organization is being cautious with Gasol, who has not played in an NBA games since Feb.