The Los Angeles Lakers did not end up making a move at the NBA trade deadline while other teams made it a point to get better. As it appears, LeBron James and Anthony Davis will have some more help on the way from the buyout market in the form of Andre Drummond.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarkowski, the Lakers have emerged as a ‘strong frontrunner’ to sign Andre Drummond in the NBA’s buyout market. With LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin both landing with the Brooklyn Nets, Drummond has become the forefront of NBA rumors.
Earlier on Saturday, it was reported how the Boston Celtics had ‘gained major ground’ in their recruitment of Drummond. They were considered as being the finalists for the former NBA All-Star along with the Lakers. Things appear to have since changed again.
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Will Andre Drummond be able to buy-in with the Lakers and play within the flow of their half-court offense? He has the physical tools to be a real roll threat and be a relief option near the basket as opposed to calling for the ball in the post and turning it over trying to do too much, in general.
Being able to play alongside such a great passer in LeBron James will be just about the best way for Drummond to revitalize his image offensively. Beyond that, he’s going to have to buy-in defensively and show improvement playing out in space.
Signing with a championship contender like the Lakers would enable Andre Drummond to turn his reputation around as a player, or further reinforce the concerns about his skill-set. He needs to show there’s substance behind the big box score numbers that he’s putting up for his team.
Minutes are going to have to be earned for Andre Drummond when considering the Lakers already have Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol in their center depth chart. Gasol isn’t who he once was as a player but his floor spacing, passing, and defensive IQ remain important.
