While Pau Gasol spent the week recovering from vertigo, Chris Kaman took over the starting center role for the Lakers. During Sunday’s win over the Phoenix Suns, Kaman led the way with 28 points and 17 rebounds. Due to the strong performance, Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni decided to keep Kaman in the starting lineup despite Pau Gasol’s return against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night.
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Prior to Tuesday’s game, D’Antoni explained why Kaman hasn’t been getting playing time for the most part this season, according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
MDA on Kaman:”The only thing that held him back is that he didnt have playing time. The team was set up in a way that Pau was going to play”
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 2, 2014
D’Antoni continued: “We’re trying to develop Robert Sacre, we’re trying to develop Ryan Kelly were trying to develop for the future.”
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 2, 2014
Kaman came to the Lakers as a free agent and was expected to provide frontcourt depth. Unfortunately for Kaman, minutes were hard to come by, as D’Antoni gave minutes to rookie Ryan Kelly and second year man Robert Sacre instead. With the Lakers struggling this season, D’Antoni appears to favor using game time to help Kelly and Sacre develop their games.
Kaman is a one-time All-Star, earning a spot in 2010 while a member of the Los Angeles Clippers. While his best days might be behind him, Kaman showed he still has what it takes to be a valuable piece on a NBA team. Moving forward, the Lakers will be hoping their investments in Kelly and Sacre work out as they move on from this disastrous season.
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Lakers Vs. Suns: D’Antoni Praises Chris Kaman, But Still Unsure Of Role