Lakers GM Pelinka has high praise for Drummond
FILE – Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond (3) brings the ball up court during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers officially announced the acquisition of free agent center Andre Drummond on Sunday, making official a move that for days had been rumored to be happening.
The two-time All-Star and four-time NBA rebounding leader agreed to a buyout with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday and subsequently cleared waivers. The Lakers signed him to the veteran minimum for the remainder of this season.
“Andre Drummond gives us powerful, anchor-point skills on both ends of the court,” Lakers executive vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement. “We feel extremely fortunate to add a player of his caliber and magnitude to our core group at this stage of our journey to defend the NBA title.”
Drummond, using an image of himself in a Lakers uniform and cradling a basketball, posted the photo on Instagram on Sunday evening and wrote: “Back to work.” The post included a purple heart and a gold heart.
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Back to work. ?? pic.twitter.com/aFUKp84D2O
— Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummond) March 29, 2021
Drummond was not listed as active when the Lakers tipped off their game against Orlando at 10 p.m. EDT on Sunday night.
The Lakers’ star players and members of the front office “have been recruiting Drummond hard,” per ESPN.
Drummond, 27, and his agent, Jeff Schwartz, also had discussions with the Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets and others, sources told ESPN.
Drummond averaged 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds in 25 games this season. He has been sitting out since Feb. 12 while the Cavs unsuccessfully attempted to find a trade partner before last week’s deadline.
The Cavaliers acquired Drummond in February 2020 from the Detroit Pistons for John Henson, Brandon Knight and a 2023 second-round pick.
In 624 career games (573 starts), he has averaged 14.6 points and 13.8 rebounds per game.
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