Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Featured > Lakers News: Frank Vogel Explains What He Wants To See From Damian Jones
FeaturedLakers News

Lakers News: Frank Vogel Explains What He Wants To See From Damian Jones

Matt Peralta
Published: 03/15/2021
4 Min Read
Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

The Los Angeles Lakers’ frontcourt depth took a massive hit when Anthony Davis was diagnosed with a calf strain, but the issue has been exacerbated with Marc Gasol’s absence as he goes through the NBA’s health and safety protocols.

Without two of his starting bigs, head coach Frank Vogel has leaned on Damian Jones to fill the void in the middle of the paint. The 25-year-old has added a vertical spacing element to the offense with his ability to catch lobs and defensively has held up when called upon.

After a few impressive showings, the Lakers decided to sign Jones to a second 10-day contract. Vogel explained prior to their win against the Indiana Pacers what he wants to see out of the young center over the next couple of weeks.

“I want to see more of what he did,” Vogel said. “I thought he played well for us. He plays the role of a lob threat. Don’t try to play outside of that lane offensively, to be a screener and a lob threat and a rebounder offensively.

“And then defensively, to be able to man the middle. Be a shot blocker and play within our pick-and-roll coverages and obviously to rebound the ball and match up with other team’s bigger centers I think is what we asked him last week. I thought he did well with it and we will continue to look at that over the next 10 days.”

Jones ended up playing only 16 minutes against the Pacers but displayed his athleticism on both ends of the floor. He finished the night with seven points and one rebound but did drain 3-of-4 of his attempts from the line.

The center has fans on the team, with Kyle Kuzma going so far as to say he thinks Jones has a chance to stay with the Lakers for the rest of the season. The early returns have been promising, but Jones will need to continue to play well in order to earn a coveted spot on the roster.

Vogel on how he’ll manage frontcourt rotation without Davis, Gasol

Vogel has had to jigger his lineup on a night-to-night basis with players in and out of the lineup, so he detailed how he would shuffle the frontcourt minutes until Davis and Gasol return.

“We have two big guys that can man the middle,” Vogel said. “D.J. [Damian Jones] and obviously Trezz playing bigger minutes off the bench. We’ll start with D.J. again and keep Trezz in his role.

“And then Kieff has been starting doing a good job for us at the four position and play with a smaller second unit. That’s the formula I foresee going forward until guys are back.”

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Damian JonesFrank VogelLos Angeles Lakers
ByMatt Peralta
Matt was born and raised in Long Beach, Calif. and is a lifelong Lakers fan. Because of his love for basketball and the Lakers, Matt successfully pursued a degree in journalism at California State University, Long Beach (#GoBeach) and is now a Staff Writer for LakersNation.com. He is also a Staff Writer for RamsNewsWire.com and RaidersNewsWire.com. Contact: mattp@mediumlargela.com Twitter: @_MatthewPeralta Instagram: @matthewperalta
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?