The Los Angeles Lakers have successfully added a great talent in Andre Drummond to provide a boost to their lineup for the remainder of the 2020-21 season. However, there have already been rumors swirling around about his expected contract beyond this season as he is set to enter unrestricted free agency in the upcoming offseason.

Via Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report:

“He could still end up in Charlotte this summer, when league executives polled by B/R expect the maximum range of Drummond's next deal to be somewhere around Clint Capela's $18 million average annual salary, but perhaps more likely on a contract length similar to Steven Adams' two-year, $35 million extension with New Orleans”

After successfully agreeing to a buyout with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Drummond decided to join the Purple and Gold on a one-year, $800,000 deal. It was considered as a steal for the Lakers as the two-time All-Star was averaging 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 25 appearances before he decided to sit out the games of the Cavaliers.

With the extended absence of Anthony Davis, the Lakers are also expected to maximize the talent of Drummond who is looking to fill the void in the middle. However, his short contract doesn't give any assurance that he will stay with the Lakers beyond this season.

If he manages to perform well, Drummond can bump his stock and demand a more lucrative contract when he enters unrestricted free agency in 2021. A potential destination could be the Charlotte Hornets who currently have a promising roster but still lacks a formidable presence in their frontline rotation.

Drummond is expected to fetch a two-year deal that is amounting close to $35 million, similar to the contract of New Orleans Pelicans big man Steven Adams. Nonetheless, Andre Drummond would like to help the Lakers in their title retention bid and worry about signing his next contract afterward.