Lakers Eyeing Trade for Former Center to Match Up With Nikola Jokic
By Cem Yolbulan
The Los Angeles Lakers may be 22-22 and in ninth place in the Western Conference, but they are already looking ahead to a potential deep postseason run. They are seemingly approaching the Feb. 7 trade deadline with the playoffs and a potential rematch against the Denver Nuggets in mind.
The Lakers have considered trading for Andre Drummond to potentially matchup vs Nikola Jokic in the playoffs, per @mcten
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 23, 2024
“The Lakers have also considered dealing for players who could address specific needs in a potential playoff matchup, such as Andre Drummond of the Bulls, in… pic.twitter.com/0xOxVpM4mr
Lakers Rumors: Andre Drummond is A Trade Target for Los Angeles
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Lakers are considering trading for Andre Drummond with the hopes of the 30-year-old veteran being able to match up with Nikola Jokic.
In the Western Conference Finals last season, Jokic and Denver swept the Lakers thanks to the stellar performance of the two-time MVP (who had a triple-double in three out of four games in the series).
The Nuggets are continuing where they left off last season and are a good bet to come out of the Western Conference again. The Lakers justifiably know that the way to the NBA Finals goes through Denver and its Serbian superstar.
However, is Drummond the missing piece?
Drummond has been the backup center for the Chicago Bulls for the last two seasons. He's been solid, but he is a backup nevertheless, who plays 15 minutes per game. He would provide size, strength, and rebounding, though the Lakers fans have seen this movie before.
In the middle of the 2020-21 season, the Lakers signed Drummond, gave him the starting job, then watched themselves lose in the first round.
Drummond could be an extra body for five to ten minutes for guarding Jokic, but LA's best units include Anthony Davis playing center. Davis and Drummond can simply not play together against a juggernaut like the Nuggets. The Lakers are likely better off using their resources elsewhere.
Despite making postseason plans, the Lakers are only +114 to make the playoffs. If you like those odds, don't forget to use FanDuel Sportsbook's sign-up offer of $150 in bonus bets if you deposit $10 and bet $5, before it expires.
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