The Lakers are in need of a dependable backup center who can sometimes partner in the frontcourt with All-Star Anthony Davis. This season, Los Angeles struggled with limited contributions from Christian Wood, who averaged 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, and Jaxson Hayes, who averaged 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.
Fortunately for the Lakers, there’s a potential reunion with a former center that might address these frontcourt challenges effectively. Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times discussed the uncertain future of the Chicago Bulls and their need to make significant picks in the NBA Draft. Cowley also mentioned the likely departure of Andre Drummond from the Bulls’ roster.
Drummond garnered significant attention as the NBA trade deadline approached this season, but the Bulls ultimately decided to retain him. The 30-year-old center delivered solid performances, averaging 8.4 points and 9.0 rebounds in just 17.1 minutes per game. During his stint with the Lakers in the latter part of the 2020-21 season, Drummond averaged 11.9 points and 10.2 rebounds over 21 games, all of which he started. If the Lakers were to bring back Drummond, he wouldn’t be a starter but would offer crucial support to a frontcourt heavily dependent on Davis and LeBron James.
The Lakers, after being ousted from the NBA playoffs in the first round by the Denver Nuggets, are determined to make significant adjustments during the offseason to optimize their chances in what might be the final phase of the LeBron James era.
One major move for the Lakers involved parting ways with head coach Darvin Ham after two seasons. The team’s management was dissatisfied with Ham’s performance, particularly his relationship with Anthony Davis, who reportedly lost confidence in him. In addition to finding a new head coach, the Lakers are considering acquiring a third star player to join James and Davis, as the front office believes this could be the key to securing another championship for Los Angeles.
However, former Lakers guard Danny Green expressed skepticism about this strategy on the Lakers Nation podcast. According to Green, aiming for a roster with three star players might not be the most effective approach. He pointed out that while such a lineup looks impressive on paper and can attract fans, it doesn’t necessarily translate to success on the court. Green emphasized that it’s challenging to balance three stars, suggesting that having two star players complemented by high-quality role players is a more viable strategy for winning.
In summary, the Lakers are exploring ways to enhance their roster, with Andre Drummond emerging as a potential addition to fortify their frontcourt. At the same time, there’s a debate about the best team-building strategy, with some advocating for a focus on strong supporting players rather than acquiring a third star. As the Lakers navigate these decisions, their goal remains to optimize their lineup for another championship run in the twilight of LeBron James’s career.
