Los Angeles Lakers announce the arrival of Andre Drummond

Los Angeles Lakers announce the arrival of Andre Drummond

Andre Drummond, Anthony Davis and LeBron James

Andre Drummond decided to boost the lineup of the defending champions Los Angeles Lakers who are suffering from injury scares by joining them as per the announcement made on Sunday. After reaching a buyout deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the veteran can be a real force for the Lakers in the front court. 

Many are speculating already about the role Andre Drummond, a two-time All-Star, play for the Lakers both now and once AD and LeBron return in time for the playoffs? Will he help the Lakers avoid sliding in the standings? But all those questions will certainly be answered when Drummond settles in with the rest of the roster. Drummond, 27, averaged 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds in 25 starts this season with Cleveland. 

Drummond agreed to a buyout on the remainder of the $27.9 million left on his 2020-2021 contract. He’ll become a free agent this summer. 

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Andre Drummond joins Los Angeles Lakers 

“Andre Drummond gives us powerful, anchor-point skills on both ends of the court,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement. “We feel extremely fortunate to add a player of his caliber and magnitude to our core group at this stage of our journey to defend the NBA title.” 

Drummond posted to Instagram an image of him on Sunday in a Lakers jersey with the caption “Back to work.” 

The Lakers’ star players and front office recruited the center hard, selling him on the opportunity to step into the defending champion’s starting lineup, sources said. The Lakers have had inconsistent center play with Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell this season and Drummond’s ability to protect the paint and rebound would allow for him to have a significant impact. 

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