Los Angeles Lakers: 3 NBA moves that could derail title hopes

By Jason Reed | Mar 12, 2021

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 22: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets talks with Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 22, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 125-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Andre Drummond signing with the Brooklyn Nets

Say what you will about the Brooklyn Nets and there only being one basketball but the fact of the matter is that most of the time star power wins championships and the Nets have the most star power in the league.

Blake Griffin does not really move the needle that much for the team but does give them a solid depth option. If Griffin can be 80% of what he was two seasons ago then the Nets just picked up a really good bench asset.

The move that would really put the Nets over the top is signing Andre Drummond, if he was bought out, of course. Drummond is a classic case of a box-sheet stuffer that is not as impactful as his stat line indicates but he still is valuable to the Los Angeles Lakers, and subsequently, the Brooklyn Nets.

The one advantage that the Los Angeles Lakers have over the Nets is their size, particularly Anthony Davis. The Nets, as currently constructed, are likely going to have to play a lot of small-ball center with Kevin Durant.

While Durant is a good defender, I am not sure how well he will do in guarding Anthony Davis. Furthermore, this could lead to the Philadelphia 76ers ending the Nets’ run prematurely if Joel Embiid just feasts on the team.

Drummond solves that issue and gives the team two decent rim protectors in Drummond and DeAndre Jordan that can stagger minutes and lower the mismatch against teams like Philly or LA.

Plus, it hurts the Lakers as they then would not be the ones signing Drummond.

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