Lakers make surprising lineup change heading into Game 6

The Los Angeles Lakers are making an interesting change to their starting lineup for Game 6 against the Phoenix Suns with elimination on the line.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

For the Lakers, that means changing up their starting lineup as they prepare to take on the Suns in Game 6 while trailing in the series 2-3.

Instead of usual starter Andre Drummond at center, Frank Vogel is putting Marc Gasol into the starting lineup, per Sham Charania.

NBA Playoffs: Lakers starting Marc Gasol at center

Drummond has averaged nine points and 11 rebounds in five starts in the playoffs. However, his scoring numbers are slightly skewed by 12- and 15-point games to begin the series. In the most recent three games, he has managed six, five and seven points. In LA’s Game 5 loss, he had four turnovers.

Gasol is averaging 6.5 points, four rebounds and two assists in 17.5 minutes of play per game. The Lakers will hope he can facilitate from the inside.

More than anything, the Lakers will also reportedly be boosted by having Anthony Davis back in the starting lineup. He missed Game 5 with a hyperextended knee and strained groin. The latter injury he picked up while playing through the former in Game 4. With Los Angeles facing elimination, he’s going to risk worsening his situation again.