The Los Angeles Lakers signed Dwight Howard in the 2021 offseason instead of bringing back Andre Drummond, and that decision now looks incredibly foolish after Drummond played a key role in the Philadelphia 76ers' advancement to the playoffs. The 32-year-old had 14 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and three blocks in 31 minutes off the bench to help Philly defeat the Magic in the Play-In Tournament. It was an incredible performance from Drummond to get the Sixers the seventh seed.
The Lakers signed Howard for his final season in the NBA. The eight-time All-Star can’t figure out why he isn’t still in the league, but he was clearly on the decline. It was a nightmare season where LA missed the playoffs, and several players were forced into retirement. This was another case of Rob Pelinka choosing the wrong option.
Drummond was nearly out of the NBA earlier this season, but the big man had an outstanding game in the Play-In Tournament. He even drilled two 3-pointers after making just 18 in his first 13 NBA seasons. Drummond is developing a jumper and showed out on both ends against the Magic.
Andre Drummond makes the Lakers' 2021 call look even worse
The Lakers needed a big man capable of playing next to Anthony Davis. They opted for Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan over bringing back Drummond. Jordan is still clinging to an NBA role, but he hasn't had a game as productive as the one Drummond just produced in years.
Nobody expected a 14-point double-double with three steals and three blocks from Drummond in a postseason game. The Sixers won his minutes by nine points and certainly needed the production. They started Adem Bona, but it quickly became clear that Drummond was making a much bigger impact.
The 6’11 big man is a flawed player. He will struggle in the first round of the playoffs against the Boston Celtics. Head coach Joe Mazzulla will spread Drummond onto the perimeter and attack him off the dribble. It will be difficult to keep him on the floor, but the big man already stepped up with Joel Embiid sidelined.
The Lakers have struggled to figure out the center position since the 2020 championship team. Rob Pelinka is always changing the options, but nobody seems to pan out. Los Angeles has ridden the Deandre Ayton rollercoaster this season, and the big man still has to prove he belongs. Jaxson Hayes is a fine backup, but the Lakers could have just kept Drummond if they wanted that.
It was a mistake choosing Dwight Howard over Andre Drummond in 2021. Clearly, Drummond had a lot left in the tank. Sadly, Howard didn’t. The Hall of Famer helped the Lakers win the title in 2020, but he was finished. Drummond is still helping a contender win important games.
The Los Angeles Lakers have made several mistakes in the Rob Pelinka era. This is far from the worst, but it was good to see Andre Drummond have a crucial postseason moment. Nobody expected it, which somehow made it even sweeter.
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