Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel is all smiles these days, and yes, despite the fact the team is currently trying to survive minus injured stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
But when you add Andre Drummond for nothing … well, it tends to make you feel good about the immediate future.
“We’re all thrilled to add Andre Drummond, a player of his caliber, to our team,” Vogel told reporters after the Lakers’ 96-93 win over the visiting Orlando Magic on Sunday night. “He’s one of the best centers in the league, someone that every defensive coordinator is going to have to account for and to figure out how to handle him when they’re trying to slow down (Davis) and (James) and our guards.
“I think he’s going to give us a big lift in the immediate future, and then obviously when we get going. He can dominate the game on both sides of the ball. His physicality is something you have to account for.”
Drummond was shelved by the Cleveland Cavaliers in February, not long after they traded for young center Jarrett Allen. Drummond was on an expiring contract and less than thrilled with Allen cutting into his playing time.
The Cavs and Drummond never got close on talks of an extension. So now Drummond is a member of the defending champions after a contract buyout in Cleveland. He signed with the Lakers for the veteran’s minimum.
Vogel said that he has already spoken with the veteran center, adding that Drummond is “really excited,” and perhaps “as excited as we are.”
Lakers players recruited Drummond hard once they realized he was going to be cut loose in Cleveland, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
“I got somebody to battle with on the boards now,” Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma said. “So, I think that’s something that’s really, really going to stand out. Especially when we get AD back. Me, him and Drummond and Bron fighting for the boards — it’s going to be tough. It’s going to be tough for other teams.”
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