After signing with LA last week after the trade deadline, Andre Drummond will make his Laker debut. The last time Drummond clocked some playtime this season was with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs shut him down hoping to make a trade, but one never came to fruition. In his last contest on February 12th, he only played 17 minutes in a 129-110 loss to Portland. With a stat line of 8 points and 5 rebounds.
For those who think that Drummond doesn’t have “it” left in him, his season averages speak a different story. In 25 games played and averaging 29 minutes a game, he was able to put up 17.5 points and13.5 rebounds a game. Those 17.5 points a game, if they hold would be the second-best average of his career offensively. His rebounding numbers this season are comparable to his 2013-2017 numbers.
Andre Drummond says he will make his Lakers debut tomorrow against Milwaukee.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 30, 2021
Drummond will take over the starting duties from Marc Gasol who has left much to be desired with his play this season. The 36-year-old Gasol may be coming down to the end of his career, while Drummond is entering year ten of his career at just 27 years old. The boost to the Lakers lineup should be good, while Anthony Davis still heals from an injury. Gasol should be more comfortable coming off the bench in shorter spurts.
The Lakers currently sit in 4th in the Western Conference. They are behind the Clippers, Suns, and Jazz respectively. They sit 5.5 games behind the first place Jazz. They are on a two-game win streak as they head into the game against the Bucks.
The Bucks, led by 2x MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo are in third in the Eastern Conference and sit just 2.5 games behind the 76ers and Nets who both have a 32-15 record. The 2021 NBA Playoff race is getting more exciting and this could be a potential Finals matchup.
