Lakers Predicted to Land 2x All-Star

The Los Angeles Lakers may land Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond for quite some time. Brian Windhorst from ESPN reported that Drummond will get his deal with the Lakers if he gets a buyout from the Cavaliers.

“The league believes, and I know that’s a vague statement, but I’m saying it that way to avoid trapping myself,” Windhorst explained on The Hoop Collective podcast. “The league believes, numerous teams I’ve talked to believe that Andre Drummond is heading for the Lakers if slash when he gets bought out.”

Drummond has a $28.7 salary and trading him to LA won’t be that easy. The Lakers need Cleveland to avoid trading the center by the trade deadline in order to get Drummond.

There’s some good news for LA. Things seem to be trending towards Drummond not being shopped. Chris Fedor from Cleveland.com said there is a “growing expectation” that Drummond will get his buyout.

“It’s why others around the league remain skeptical of a trade,” Fedor explained. “There’s a growing expectation he will be bought out — even though the Cavs aren’t asking for much. Given what they gave up for him last year — two expiring contracts and a future second-round pick — Cleveland’s front office recognizes the return will be low. There are no delusions of a strong offer before March 25.”

The Lakers to land Drummond

Another NBA team could stop Drummond from signing with the Lakers. Fedor said the Knicks or Heat may play spoiler to Drummong getting a buyout.

“One thing in Cleveland’s favor, according to a rival executive, is the belief that only a few teams will have a realistic shot in the buyout market,” Fedor added. “If the New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, Heat or Celtics — all teams linked to Drummond — truly have interest, how many would beat out Brooklyn or the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency? Any of those five teams could be incentivized to acquire him in a trade as the clock ticks, the one path to guaranteeing his services for the stretch run.”

Adrian Wojnarowski predicted that Drummond has more value to the Lakers at the moment. If Drummond goes to LA, he will start at center for the team. This may not be the case in Brooklyn.

Drummond is averaging 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 blocks in 25 starts for his team this season.