Vogel: Gasol to return from 9-game absence on minutes limit
Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol will return to the lineup Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers, head coach Frank Vogel told ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
Gasol last played on Feb. 28 and has missed the Lakers' last nine games after entering the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Vogel said Gasol's playing time will be capped at 15 minutes per game.
The Spaniard's return is much-needed for a Los Angeles squad that's been reeling recently without its star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. James is expected to miss several weeks with a high ankle sprain, and Davis is battling a calf injury and still a couple of weeks away from returning.
With Davis sidelined, Gasol is the only player on the Lakers' roster who's capable of playing as a traditional center.
The veteran is still an important defensive presence at 36 years old, but his offensive production has diminished in recent seasons. Gasol is averaging only 4.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and two assists per game while shooting 40.3% from the field and 36.5% from distance.
The Lakers sit fourth in the Western Conference at 28-16 but have lost their last three games.