NBA Rumors: Lakers Urged To Utilize Declining Big Man To Save Sagging Campaign

The Los Angeles Lakers are in a heap of trouble and need to find help somewhere within the roster.

Kyle Kuzma rarely gives his opinion, but his recent one tied to Marc Gasol could be worth considering.

Most know that the minutes of Gasol have severely dwindled ever since the arrival of Andre Drummond.

Considering the 36-year-old former NBA champion has seen his performance declining, the Lakers diverted their attention on Drummond.

However, Kuzma feels that his team could get some needed help from the 6-foot-11 Spaniard if he were given a chance.

"I wish we could get a little bit more time out there with Marc [Gasol]. That'd be something that would be pretty good for us, for sure," Kuzma said when they lost to the Toronto Raptors recently.

If one looks at the stat line of Gasol, it could explain why he has found himself falling down the pecking order.

In 46 games, the 2013 NBA Defensive Player of the Year has averaged 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. These are a far cry from his career averages although he could still be efficient if one digs deeper.

When fielded in, Gasol has proven he can deliver quality minutes. He is the only center on the team with a positive plus-minus since the arrival of Drummond with a plus-13.

Aside from that, Gasol has a credible outside shot compared to Drummond who does his work closer to the basket.

With Anthony Davis back in the fold, Drummond is seen as the plausible choice to tandem with upfront.

However, there will be times when the Lakers could use some defensive muscle and offensive support from a veteran like Marc Gasol.

But then again, his level of play may not pan out if given extensive minutes. Hence, all head coach Frank Vogel can do is use the Spaniard to spell Drummond unless the All-Star center is really having a bad day.

The Lakers need to make adjustments especially with Davis returning from injury and LeBron James out again after hurting his ankle again.

The Davis-Drummond tandem may not yet be showing its true worth, something that could change in the next couple of weeks.

Chemistry is an issue most had predicted. But for Vogel, it may be wise not to force the issue.

The best the Lakers can do is balance and read situations in their upcoming games. If a Davis-Drummond tandem fails to flourish, Vogel may have to reconsider Gasol partnering with “The Brow” in the meantime.