This is a bigger issue than people think.
Last season chemistry mistakes:
1. Dennis demanding he be a starter.
2. Gasol being a bad fit at the five.
3. Harrell being a bad fit at the five.
4. Drummond promised to start.
You could argue the Lakers might have failed even if LeBron and AD were healthy because the chemistry was not close to the championship year when guys like Dwight and JaVale showed their class and team first approach and commitment to winning over personal triumphs.
While I ultimately think Gasol is the better player when compared to DAJ, you can never fault a person for putting family first. I chalk this up to another aspect of last season being affected by the Drummond signing.
I think Marc felt disrespected by the Lakers so it’s a better solution all around for him to go to the Grizzlies, retire his number, and go home to Spain to finish his career with Pau.
I also think Marc’s attitude was not what the Lakers wanted as he got a little frosty at times about not being treated fairly. He clearly is a better player still than DJ but not a good fit to come back in my opinion.
No question the Drummond signing screwed everything up for the Lakers. Never should have promised him the starting role. For Marc, however, too little too late. His reluctance to shoot undermined his job on the court. Blame Dre is right.
Marc’s situation is eerily similar to that of Ben Simmons. When you feel betrayed the ill feelings linger no matter how much you try to repair such a relationship. Marc was trying to do the best he could to put the situation under the rug but at the back of his mind, the sting is too much to forget. Ben’s situation is even more stinging given that the situation is irreparable. Even those who forgive can’t seem to get over their grief sometimes. So parting ways mutually seem the better option. I love Marc for his professionalism and basketball IQ. I wish him the best and I hope the Grizzlies will honor him and retire his jersey one day. After all, he’s only less than 50 points behind Conley for the most points in franchise history, if my memory could serve me.
Tom, I couldn’t read this meme. But thanks for responding. It’s all good.
The meme was a guy saying “That’s marriage.” LOL. Being part of a team is like being married and being traded is like getting divorced.
Thanks for the clarification.