7. Andre Drummond
The Lakers signed Drummond after he was bought out by the Cavaliers in March 2021. The two-time All-Star was still a starter and clinging to the end of his prime. LA needed talent, and the 6’11 big man was eager to play with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Drummond replaced Marc Gasol as the Lakers starting center. He averaged 11.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 block in 24.8 minutes per game over 21 contests. Drummond remained their starting center in the playoffs before being benched in the decisive Game 6 against the Suns. The 6’11 big man left for Philadelphia in free agency and has played for three different teams in three years since his exit.
Drummond is still one of the best rebounders in the league and has settled in as a backup center. If the Lakers want size and options in defending Nikola Jokic and the big-man trio in Minnesota, signing Drummond makes perfect sense. He could play 15 to 20 minutes off the bench and make a larger impact in specific matchups.
The 6’11 big man had interest in returning to the Lakers and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. LA will be limited in what they can offer, but Andre Drummond may take less to join a contender. Do not rule out this reunion.