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Los Angeles Lakers: Why Andre Drummond won’t return after this season

By Jason Reed

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 10: Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers heads for the net as LaMarcus Aldridge #21 of the Brooklyn Nets defends in the second half at Barclays Center on April 10, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 10: Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers heads for the net as LaMarcus Aldridge #21 of the Brooklyn Nets defends in the second half at Barclays Center on April 10, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers, Andre Drummond
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers, Andre Drummond /

Andre Drummond was the biggest buyout signing that the Los Angeles Lakers could have made and they hit a home run by bringing him in. Drummond was not only the biggest name on the buyout market this season, but he directly filled a need for the Lakers.

Drummond has played five games with the Lakers at the time of writing this and he has endured a bit of a slow start. He is not producing as much offensively as some fans would have expected, especially with the injuries to the marquee stars in LA.

However, as we broke down yesterday, there is no reason to worry about Drummond’s slow start. It will all work out in the end.

Drummond absolutely helps the team in its pursuit to repeat as NBA Champions this season, but what about the future? Marc Gasol signed a two-year deal but he cannot be trusted to be the starter next year and Devontae Cacok probably isn’t starting center worthy.

Rob Pelinka is always operating with the future in mind. Of course, the concern is on this season, but this summer is not far past the moves he is making this year. This raises a question with Drummond:

Will Andre Drummond return to the Los Angeles Lakers next year?

While anything is possible, it is safe to say that Drummond will not follow in Markieff Morris’ footsteps and re-up with the team after this season. It has nothing to do with his poor play thus far, either.

There are two compelling reasons why Andre Drummond will not be donning the purple and gold past this 2020-21 season. Let’s get into them.

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