LOS ANGELES — Lakers center Marc Gasol has been ruled out against the Phoenix Suns Tuesday night because of the NBA’s health and safety protocols, according to a team spokesperson.
Los Angeles is riding a two-game winning streak since the return of starting point guard Dennis Schroder who had missed the Lakers’ previous four games — all of them losses — while being sidelined because of a violation of the health and safety protocols because of contact tracing.
Gasol, 36, was signed to a two-year contract in the offseason to join the defending champions. He is averaging 4.8 points and 4.1 rebounds this season.
Gasol’s absence could mean more playing time for center Damian Jones, who was recently signed to a 10-day contract and had eight points, three rebounds and two blocks in his debut with the team against Golden State. Jones is listed as probable for the Suns game with a lower back strain.