After striking out swinging at the NBA Trade Deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers made a splash when they scooped up Andre Drummond after he was bought out in Cleveland.
A few teams were in the mix, including the Nets and Knicks, but Drummond ultimately decided on the Lakers. He'll be joining forces with LeBron James and Anthony Davis when they both return from injury. Jeanie Buss has a welcoming message for the new Lakers center.
Lakers family -let’s welcome the newest member of the Purple and Gold. Follow @AndreDrummond #Lakers #LetsPlaySomeBasketball #DefendTheTrophy https://t.co/GitUxLQ4PF
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) March 29, 2021
Drummond's arrival is a welcome presence for the Lakers who desperately need a defender in the paint given their struggles in that area this year.
The Lakers were reported to be in many different conversations in the lead up to the trade deadline but ultimately stood firm once the time passed. Around them in the West, the Denver Nuggets added JaVale McGee and Aaron Gordon while the Los Angeles Clippers added former Laker Rajon Rondo.
It's widely thought that Drummond will be a part of the Lakers starting five from the get-go. It will be a much-needed boost especially during a time when the Lakers are trying to fight through playing without LeBron and Davis.
Drummond hasn't played since January 31, as he and the Cavaliers agreed at that time to have him sit out until a trade partner or a buyout was figured out.
For Drummond, he gets a chance to join an instant title contender and be a big part of it as the Lakers look to repeat after winning the NBA Finals in 2020.
In 25 games with the Cavaliers this season, Drummond averaged 17.5 points per game along with 13.5 rebounds per game.
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