Experiencing shortcomings regarding frontcourt depth, the Los Angeles Lakers sought Andre Drummond’s signature when he hit the buyout market towards the latter half of the season.
According to a report, Los Angeles enticed Drummond to come to Staples Center by promising him a starting role. He started every game he was available to play in, except Game 6 against the Phoenix Suns.
Los Angeles brought in Drummond hoping he could be a key third or fourth option behind the star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Though Drummond posted hefty numbers on the stat sheet in previous seasons, he didn’t contribute many wins. The hope was he’d become more efficient playing alongside playmaking savants like James. Davis’ commanding presence down low could’ve opened up more touches for Drummond.
But injuries hindered the potential of what could’ve been, both in the regular season and playoffs. In the first round against the Suns, Davis’ groin strain dismantled any aspirations the Lakers had of progressing to the second round.
Drummond just couldn’t bestow a consistent defensive presence against Phoenix’s crafty guards and Deandre Ayton, leading to his benching in what became the last Lakers game of the season.
Despite the dispiriting ending, head coach Frank Vogel enjoyed what Drummond brought to the team and hopes for more down the road, via Kyle Goon of Southern California News Group:
Frank Vogel says Andre Drummond was a good culture fit for the organization. Him sitting out in Game 6 was representative of the Lakers looking for offense, and leaning on guys who had been there longer. But he adds: "We're hopeful that he's a Laker for a long time."
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) June 4, 2021
Drummond, who signed a five-year, $127 million extension with the Detroit Pistons in 2016, made just $794,536 — the minimum — during his time with L.A., according to Spotrac.
The Lakers don’t have Drummond’s bird rights and he’ll be an unrestricted free agent when the market opens on Aug. 2.
Los Angeles could try to re-sign him to experiment with the lineup longer, but the Lakers could look elsewhere in free agency if not.
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