The Los Angeles Lakers did not end up making a move at the NBA trade deadline. However, that wasn’t unexpected as the buyout market was thought of as being a more lucrative and feasible option, particularly with players like Andre Drummond likely being available.
A lot of headlines were made after the Brooklyn Nets came away with Blake Griffin early on, but that only was exacerbated when they also signed LaMarcus Aldridge. Both players were former perennial NBA All-Stars and while they aren’t their former selves, both can fill important roles.
The Lakers answered back and managed to come away with Andre Drummond, who is still only 27-years-old. An NBA scout spoke to NBA Analysis Network about the two time All-Star’s fit with the Lakers.
“There’s valid criticism that Drummond deserves. He rebounds the hell out of the ball but he doesn’t bring it as a rim protector. He’s too inefficient offensively for an interior guy, too. He’s played for mostly losing teams so it will be interesting to see if some of those things change with the Lakers.”
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The Lakers are the most talented passing team that Andre Drummond will be part of at this stage of his NBA career. The Detroit Pistons failed to surround him with that kind of talent and his tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers lacked that, too.
“It’s clear that Drummond has never played with a high-level passer, so he may have untapped potential as a rim roller and relief option near the rim. He can get up and has strength to take hits, so if LeBron James or Dennis Schroder collapse the defense, Drummond could feast.”
There was plenty of criticism surrounding Dwight Howard before he turned his reputation around with the Lakers. He was an inefficient post-up big who lost his juice on defense. Now, he’s a key member of the Philadelphia 76ers’ bench and did so in his mid 30’s.
It will be fascinating to see if Andre Drummond can turn things around with the Los Angeles Lakers. Right now, it appears he could dispel the critics by embracing doing the little things to win games, or he could embolden his detractors by failing to live up to expectations for the reigning NBA champions.
