Los Angeles Lakers: 3 big men to target after Anthony Davis’ injury

1. Andre Drummond

I know this is a pipe dream, but please hear me (or read me) out on this.

Like McGee, Drummond may reportedly get bought out by the Cavs. I personally doubt that would actually happen, but that’s what’s being reported.

The hot rumor is that if he gets bought out, Drummond would then sign with the Brooklyn Nets. He would have to take an extreme pay cut for that to happen (Drummond will make well over $28 million this season), but the Nets do have a disabled player exception worth nearly $6 million.

Could the Lakers entice Drummond to come to Southern California for the veteran’s minimum salary by promising him a starting spot and more minutes than he would get in Brooklyn by moving Gasol to the bench? Would James have some pull with Drummond in that case?

If all that happened (extremely unlikely, I know), Drummond would give the Lakers a ferocious rebounder who can also protect the rim. In addition, he’s averaging 1.7 steals per game this season and 1.4 for his career.

Plus, he’s just 27, which matches up with Davis’ timeline looking forward, and as mentioned in the previous slide, he could allow Davis to leak out in transition more often and allow the Lakers to return to Showtime.

Even better, Drummond doesn’t need the ball in his hands. Most of his points come off offensive rebounds, running the floor and getting set up by his teammates for layups and dunks. Would he accept a slightly reduced offensive role to win a ring with James and the Lakers?

There’s no harm in the Lakers trying to snag Drummond if he indeed gets bought out, unlikely as it may be.