New Superteam Could Prevent Lakers' Reunion With Former Player

Former Lakers big man Andre Drummond is reportedly on the New York Knicks' radar.
Mar 27, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports / Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
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The Los Angeles Lakers are in the market for frontcourt depth this offseason after not getting much production from their bench. The Lakers could address the center position in the 2024 NBA Draft with the No. 17 overall pick. 

Los Angeles could also find a viable backup in free agency like Andre Drummond, who could be the most-coveted center on the open market. Drummond would be the perfect solution to the Lakers’ frontcourt woes as he averaged 8.4 points and 9.0 rebounds in 17.1 minutes per game off the bench this season with the Chicago Bulls.

Lakers Rumors: New York Knicks Interested in Andre Drummond

However, the Lakers aren’t the only team interested in Drummond’s services. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported Wednesday that “there’s an outside chance” the New York Knicks make a run at the veteran center.

The Knicks, who lost in the second round of the NBA playoffs to the Indiana Pacers, shocked the entire NBA world on Tuesday night, trading multiple draft picks for Brooklyn Nets wing Mikal Bridges.

With the Knicks acquiring Bridges from Brooklyn, New York might not be able to re-sign Isaiah Hartenstein, leading to the “interest” in Drummond. That said, the Lakers shouldn’t worry about the Knicks as they don’t have a huge need with Mitchell Robinson on the roster.

Los Angeles will likely compete against multiple suitors who want Drummond, especially if he doesn’t re-sign with the Bulls. The Lakers must have a perfect offseason as they had a rough ending to the season, losing in the first round to the Denver Nuggets.

First-time head coach JJ Redick knows what he’ll get from LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves, but everybody else is a question mark. However, if they solidify the center spot and add a few more pieces to the bench, the Lakers could be a top-5 team out West.

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