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Veteran heart Andre Drummond intends to signal with the Los Angeles Lakers after he clears waivers on Sunday, his agent, Jeff Schwartz, confirmed to USA TODAY Sports activities.
The Lakers want frontcourt assist, particularly with Anthony Davis sidelined due to an damage. LeBron James can be out with an damage.
Drummond reached a buyout settlement with Cleveland as soon as the Cavaliers didn’t discover a commerce for him earlier than Thursday’s deadline expired.
Cleveland hadn’t performed Drummond since Feb. 12 as a result of he wasn’t a part of the staff’s future, particularly after it acquired Jarrett Allen from Brooklyn. However the two-time All-Star posted strong stats in 25 video games: 17.5 factors, 13.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per recreation.
It’s not clear when Drummond might be accessible. The Lakers play the Orlando Magic (15-30) on Sunday at Staples Heart.
The Lakers moved swiftly on Drummond a day after free agent LaMarcus Aldridge agreed to hitch the star-studded Brooklyn Nets, although Drummond will seemingly fill a extra important position in Los Angeles.
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The Lakers have listed James as out “indefinitely,” which The Athletic just lately reported could possibly be for an additional three to 5 weeks after he suffered a excessive ankle sprain in opposition to Atlanta on March 20. On Friday, Lakers coach Frank Vogel stated that Davis is “a methods away” from returning since straining his proper calf almost two months in the past. The Lakers cleared Davis to develop his rehab, which has included on-court taking pictures, however his timeline additionally stays unclear.
Regardless, the Lakers have struggled with out their two stars. They misplaced 4 of their previous 5 video games since James’ damage and have gone 8-11 throughout Davis’ absence. Drummond, a two-time All-Star, would instantly assume a management position, and would additionally fortify a frontcourt that has had various levels of success and struggles with Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol.
Whereas the Lakers have benefitted from Harrell’s menace within the pick-and-roll and his brute energy, they’ve additionally resisted enjoying the 6-7, 240-pound Harrell in opposition to greater gamers. Gasol has helped along with his passing, however he is struggled along with his conditioning.
Drummond might be an asset even when Davis and James return.He may complement Davis as each a rebounding and defensive menace, and his presence would additionally give James extra room to function as each a scorer and playmaker. Drummond additionally may improve the staff’s ground spacing and subsequently assist the its inconsistent 3-point taking pictures (35.2%).
ESPN first reported the information.
This text initially appeared on USA TODAY: Andre Drummond, veteran heart, to signal with Lakers, agent says
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