The Los Angeles Lakers are in need of reinforcements with injuries piling up and that could be coming in the form of Andre Drummond. The Cleveland Cavaliers center could be on the way to the purple and gold if the Cavs cannot trade him by Thursday’s deadline.
Both Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report and Brian Windhorst of ESPN are reporting that people around the league believe Drummond will sign with the Lakers if he is bought out. While not the same as getting information from the team or player themselves, it’s notable that that is the consensus around the league. With Anthony Davis and LeBron James out for the foreseeable future and Marc Gasol still rounding into game shape after missing several weeks, Drummond could have his eyes set on a starting job in LA, where he has reportedly been working out since the Cavs decided to bench him while looking for trades.
The Brooklyn Nets are also in the market for Drummond should he be bought out, but according to Fischer, that interest seems to have waned since they signed Blake Griffin.
The other threat to the Lakers is a team trading for the big man before the deadline, taking away his choice in finding a new home. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor is reporting that the Dallas Mavericks have engaged in trade talks with the Cavs. The Raptors are also interested, according to KOC. Any team trying to acquire Drummond through that method will have the challenge of matching salaries with his 28 million dollar deal.
The Lakers seem content to wait it out and find a player like Drummond in the buyout market, despite rumors that they have been listening to offers for Montrezl Harrell, who one could argue would become replaceable if Drummond signs in LA.
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