Yardbarker
x
Kyle Kuzma: Andre Drummond 'never really been coached' before Lakers
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Veteran center Andre Drummond is off to a slow start with the Los Angeles Lakers and forward Kyle Kuzma thinks he knows why.

“I mean, it’s just a process, man,” Kuzma told reporters. “It’s not going to happen overnight. Rome wasn’t built overnight. think for him, it’s a big adjustment. When you think about it, he’s kind of never really been coached in his career — in Detroit, in Cleveland and then coming here to a championship organization, it’s tough. It’s tough.”

Drummond, 27, is averaging 9.2 points and 9.2 rebounds since signing on with the Lakers. That followed a contract buyout with the Cavaliers. Plenty of players around the league seemed to take issue with how the Cavs benched Drummond while seeking a trade.

“It’s a huge difference when you’re playing basketball and winning basketball,” Kuzma said. “He’s handled it well, and it’s an adjustment period, and I think once the two big dogs get back, it’s going to be much, much easier for him because it’s going to be a lot more simplified. And you’ll see some big impact games from him down the road.”

The Lakers (34-21) just finished their lengthy road trip with a 4-3 record, capping it with a win over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday.

All of it has happened minus injured stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Drummond has yet to play with either player.

This article first appeared on FortyEightMinutes and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.