Report: Andre Drummond Contract With Lakers Has Interesting Wrinkle

Andre Drummond agreed to a contract buyout with the Cleveland Cavaliers and joined the Los Angeles Lakers. He signed a deal for $794,536 also known as the veteran minimum. Well, this is exactly the amound Drummond gave back to the Cavs as confirmed by John Hollinger from The Athletic.

Drummond has earned more than $136 million in his career. He is 27 and has a chance to earn a lot more. Pretty much everything depends on his time with the Lakers. LA got someone who is averaging 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game and Drummond has a huge incentive on his deal.

“It’s been almost a month [and] 10-plus days since I last played. You can imagine the hunger and excitement I have to play and step on the court,” Drummond told reporters during his introductory press conference. “I had an incredible month of work where I’m ready to play today.”

Cleveland was looking for a trade partner but NBA teams couldn’t match Drummond’s $28 million contract. The center cleared waivers and met four teams. The Boston Celtics wanted to get him and the same applies to the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics.

Andre Drummond signed a contract with the Lakers to win a title

Drummond decided to go to LA. Wonder why? He wants to win a championship.

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“For me, I just thought it was the best fit,” Drummond said. “I think, being here, I’m able to come in right away and impact this team defensively — just with my toughness on both sides of the court, but mainly defensively, coming here to be that anchor for his team.

“Just having that playoff experience but not having success was something I was hungry for. I was hungry to get back in the playoffs again and really get a true experience of what it’s like to play on the biggest stage.”

Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka is pretty excited about Drummond’s arrival. He has a new player to work with in the paint.

“Andre Drummond gives us powerful, anchor-point skills on both ends of the court,” he said in a release confirming the signing. “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.”

Lakers head coach Frank Vogel is equally excited. Working with someone like Drummond is more than impressive. Vogel knows that Drummond is one of the best centers in the NBA. Drummond will provide an instant boost to the game and LA is ready to win games.