Los Angeles Lakers: 3 burning questions ahead of the NBA trade deadline

By Jason Reed | Mar 23, 2021

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 20: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the rim against Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter of a game at Staples Center on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

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

1. Will the Los Angeles Lakers get lucky with Andre Drummond and who is the backup plan?

The best buyout signing that the Los Angeles Lakers can make is Andre Drummond. Drummond is on the trade market as the Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to get something for half a season of Drummond as they sit out of the playoff picture.

The problem is that Drummond’s contract is massive and no contending team can realsitically make it work to match the salaries. The Boston Celtics are one team to watch with their $27.5 million trade exception, but they have been bottoming out and may not want to give up assets for Drummond.

Drummond’s averages do overrate him a bit but he is still someone who directly fills a roster need for the Los Angeles Lakers and gives the team the depth it needs in the frontcourt with both LeBron and AD out of action.

However, there is still no guarantee that Drummond is in fact bought out and if he is he very well could prefer the Brooklyn Nets, who have to be considered the favorites to win the NBA Championship as it stands today.

Who is the backup plan? Is it Hassan Whiteside, who is a buyout candidate for the Sacramento Kings? Are they hoping someone such as Robin Lopez will be bought out? Will they trade for a cheaper option just to add depth to the position?

Whiteside has been connected to the team before and that appears to be the most likely backup plan but even that is not a guarantee as he might not be bought out.

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