KEY POINTS

  • Andre Drummond is expected to be back after two games for the Los Angeles Lakers
  • No word on who the Lakers may get from free agency next
  • Drummond admits being disappointed but ready to return and help the Lakers' cause

The Los Angeles Lakers got a bit of a relief with reports that Andre Drummond may be back sooner than expected.

The All-Star center debuted for his new team against the Milwaukee Bucks but managed only 14 minutes after suffering a toe injury.

According to a report from ESPN, Drummond will miss only one to two games. If the 6-foot-10 center is ready, he could return as early as the Lakers game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.

For now, head coach Frank Vogel will just have to wait and turn to Marc Gasol as his starting center with Montrezl Harrell spending some time at the slot.

It was an unfortunate debut for Drummond, who finished with only four points, two assists, and a rebound. The Lakers got routed by the Bucks, 112-97, with the highly-touted recruit calling it a night early with a big toe contusion.

"It kind of was a little deflating for me, but my head is high. I'm going to take it day by day and come back better than ever," Drummond stated via ESPN.

It was the latest in a series of bad luck for the reigning NBA champions who are already playing without resident stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Harrell, along with Dennis Schroder, has been trying to hold up the fort and there is no telling if the Lakers will still sign another free agent.

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

One name that was suggested was a former player in Avery Bradley if he were to be bought out by the Houston Rockets.

So far, nothing has come close to that with the 30-year-old debuting for his new team on Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Bradley ended up in Houston as part of the Victor Oladipo trade with the Miami Heat.

If not, the Lakers will just have to find a way to hold up until James or Davis are good to go. They are currently at the fourth spot of the Western Conference standings with a 30-18 standing, 1.5 games behind cross-town rival Los Angeles Clippers.

However, Vogel needs to find ways to win games for now with the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers just half a game behind them and breathing down their necks.

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