KEY POINTS

  • Andre Drummond is proving to be a big asset for the Lakers 
  • The Lakers  are looking good, but chemistry remains in question once top stars return
  • The Lakers may have problems keeping Drummond due to financial constraints

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to buy time for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and Andre Drummond is responding to the call.

Already known to be a regular double-double performer, the 6-foot-10 center probably had his best game yet since joining the Lakers last March.

Drummond unfurled a dominant performance against the Utah Jazz, running circles around defenders like Joe Ingles.

He was instrumental in the Lakers win over the Jazz, 127-115, where he finished with 27 points, eight rebounds, three rebounds, two steals, and a block.

Aside from that, he was 10 for 15 from the field and went seven of eight from the charity stripe.

“I think tonight was a good game for all of us,” Drummond said during the postgame videoconference. “For me personally, I think it was a pretty solid game. I just played my game. I’m just out there to help this team the best way I can. As a unit, we clicked on all cylinders.”

While his scoring and rebounding are notable, Drummond’s two steals are worth singling out.

However, he credits his knack of getting into the passing lanes and getting foiling pick-and-rolls as a reason behind that.

“To have that happen three times was definitely very tiring to have that happen going back and forth, back and forth, side to side, so I definitely was very exhausted when that timeout did come. So, I’m glad Phil [Handy] was there to catch me,” Drummond explained.

Worth noting is that Drummond is also playing with a bruised toe. He sat out their last match against the Celtics, and it continues to bother him.

Regardless, it will not let that stop him from playing and says everything will be fine.

Andre Drummond #2, making his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks Andre Drummond #2, making his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks
Andre Drummond #2, making his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks Getty Images | Kevork Djansezian

Drummond’s performance is something that will delight any fan of the Lakers. The need for him to step up right now is mainly due to the absence of James and Davis.

Things are bound to change once the top stars are back. If Drummond can blend with James and Davis, there is no denying they could win the NBA title once more.

But beyond this season, Drummond’s stint with the Lakers does not look promising. Financial limitations may prevent Los Angeles from locking up the All-Star center beyond this season.

However, that will still depend if Rob Pelinka can pull some strings to juggle the money and keep Drummond in Hollywood for the next couple of years.

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