Lakers 'optimistic' Cavs' Drummond will consider signing?

Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond (3) sits on the bench before a game against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Lakers 'optimistic' Andre Drummond will consider signing with team if bought out by Cavaliers

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/8/21

The Los Angeles Lakers lost out on Blake Griffin, who opted to sign with the Brooklyn Nets after being bought out by the Detroit Pistons. However, the team reportedly has its sights set on signing another veteran big man.

According to Marc Stein of The New York Times, the Lakers are "optimistic" that Andre Drummond will sign with the club if he's bought out by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

There is optimism within the Lakers that they will get strong consideration from Andre Drummond if Drummond ultimately leaves the Cavaliers via buyout, league sources say.

Cleveland’s preference, of course, remains trading Drummond elsewhere before the March 25 trade deadline.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 8, 2021

Drummond has not played since Feb. 12 as the Cavaliers work to try and trade him. The New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers and Chicago Bulls have reportedly shown interest in the two-time All-Star.

Drummond is playing the 2020-21 season on a $28.8 million salary, which makes any trade difficult to work out. He's also set to become a free agent at the end of the season, so some teams might not think a trade is worth it for a rental.

L.A.'s interest in Drummond doesn't come as a surprise. With Anthony Davis on the shelf due to an Achilles injury, the Lakers need some help at the rim. If they fail to land Drummond, they could also consider a reunion with DeMarcus Cousins.

More must-reads: