KEY POINTS

  • Andre Drummond indicates he will not settle for a minimum deal to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers
  • The Lakers need to adjust financial numbers to keep Drummond
  • Drummond is said to hold a key role in the Laker's future plans

Andre Drummond is someone that the Los Angeles Lakers could surely use if he returns next NBA season.

Money will be a driving factor if the 6-foot-10 cager will continue to don the signature purple and gold. This early, it appears he is staking that claim

The All-Star center responded to a question of Robert Mavi of Lakers’ Daily who hinted that Drummond may only return on a minimum contract.

Having seen that, the 27-year-old big man responded by saying “you drunk” on social media.

This indicates that Drummond only plans to return in a Lakers’ uniform if the offer on the table is fair.

Los Angeles is in for an interesting rebuild this offseason, and the two-time All-Star is reportedly someone they plan to keep.

The Lakers are likely to lose some players from last NBA season. That list is headed by Dennis Schroder and possibly Montrezl Harrell.

Little has been said about Drummond’s future, but there is the growing belief that he will be kept by the team.

Dave McMenamin batted on Zach Lowe's podcast that all signs point to a potential Drummond re-signing.

He pointed out how the Lakers were committed to the Connecticut native, but it will take a lot of financial adjustments to make it happen.

That was until the recent response on social media, which hints that the Lakers are not fully guaranteed of bringing back the ninth overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft.

Worth noting here is that Drummond failed to blend in with the system of head coach Frank Vogel.

Drummond was acquired via the buyout market and had little time to adjust. He averaged 11.9 points and 10.2 rebounds in 24.8 minutes of action.

If Harrell does opt to test the free-agent market, the story could be different for Drummond.

However, he will need to find a way to co-exist with Anthony Davis if he elects to stay.

Andre Drummond #3 celebrates with JaVale McGee #6 of the Cleveland Cavaliers
Andre Drummond #3 celebrates with JaVale McGee #6 of the Cleveland Cavaliers Getty Images | Jason Miller

With Davis and LeBron James likely to sit out games at the start of next season, it could be a chance for Drummond to step up and show the management what he can truly do.

But before all that, there is the money factor that general manager Rob Pelinka must draw up.

The only thing certain now is that Drummond won’t return for the Lakers if he is not happy with their contract offer.

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