Los Angeles Lakers legend and former president Magic Johnson expressed his approval of the team's signing of Andre Drummond on Sunday.
As reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Drummond will likely take the starting center spot on the Lakers' roster.
Congratulations to @AndreDrummond for signing with the @Lakers and welcome to Los Angeles! Andre is just what the Lakers need; a big man who can score, rebound, and defend.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 28, 2021
Magic Johnson, who’s known as one of the best to ever wear Purple and Gold, has been campaigning for a center for a while now. With the addition of Drummond, the five-time champion believes that the Lakers improved their scoring, rebounding and what they’re best at, defense.
Andre Drummond is only 27 years old, and he averaged 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds in 25 starts this season. Before he was bought out by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Drummond spent eight seasons with the Detroit Pistons. He also has made the All-Star game twice, one of which was for Team LeBron.
Looking good, @AndreDrummond! pic.twitter.com/xlE9QGaKfc
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) March 28, 2021
Drummond could potentially be a good pick up for the defending champions. He provides lineup versatility, allowing the Lakers to play a ton of different lineups, especially come playoff time. If they need spacing, they can opt for Marc Gasol. Scoring? Montrezl Harell is right there. Rebounding and to go up against another big? That’s when they call Drummond. As The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor said, “La has major lineup versatility.”
The contract for Andre Drummond in Los Angeles is the amount- $794,536- that he gave back in his buyout with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Lakers will have a $554,988 cap hit.
The Lakers are $954,349 below the hard cap and have enough room to sign a 15th player.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) March 28, 2021
Moreover, with superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis sidelined due to injury, Drummond becomes more important than ever to fill in that scoring role for the next few weeks. Davis could remain out for the next two to three weeks, while James’ timetable is at least three to six weeks.
Lastly, after signing Drummond, the Lakers are still $954,349 below the hard cap, which means they still have enough room to sign another player. It’s going to be interesting to see with whom they will se their remaining money.
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