Los Angeles Lakers: 4 players who are playing for their next contract

By Jason Reed | Apr 30, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 28: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on April 28, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Andre Drummond

This is fairly obvious. Andre Drummond was bought out by the Cleveland Cavaliers as no team wanted to take on his remaining salary in a trade and thus, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers to fill a massive need.

Drummond is not going to want to become the next Hassan Whiteside. Whiteside got a big payday, was massively overpaid by the Miami Heat and once that contract was freed up his pay plummeted. Whitside is making $2.3 million this season.

This was part of the reason why Drummond picked the Lakers over other interested teams. Contending for a title certainly helps, but he could have done that on the Brooklyn Nets. With the hole on the roster, the Lakers provided the opportunity for Drummond to play a significant role and prove to the rest of the NBA that he still deserves a decent payday.

If the rest of the league is not convinced and he ends up getting Whiteside money then he probably will return to the Lakers. However, that seems unlikely, and it is more likely that we will see Drummond on a different team next season.

A strong showing in the regular season won’t do too much for his value. He can really increase his value with strong play in the NBA Playoffs.

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