Andre Drummond ready to wreak havoc on the Lakers on the court, not in the locker room

The Los Angeles Lakers have a long history with great dominant men dating back to 1949, when George Mikan led the Minneapolis Lakers to their first BAA championship. While the Lakers already have an elite big man on their roster this season in Anthony Davis, they added what they hope is a second in the acquisition market after the Andre Drummond trade deadline.

Drummond, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, was one of several big names to hit the buyout market this year, however, unlike some of the other All-Stars who were available like Blake. Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge, Drummond, who won’t turn 28 until the offseason, is still in his prime.

Last season, Drummond averaged 17.7 points. 15.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Only nine players in NBA history have averaged at least 15 points, 15 rebounds, one block and one steal this season, and Drummond has done it three times. He also has the best rebounding percentage in league history at 24.6%.

So what led Drummond to sign a minimum veteran contract with the Lakers rather than a team that could have paid him more in the short and long term? A desire to compete, according to the two-time All-Star.

“For me personally, having that experience in the playoffs but not succeeding was something I was starving for,” Drummond said. “I was hungry to go back to the playoffs and really have that true experience of what it’s like to play on the biggest stage, so being here and being able to have that opportunity is really a blessing and I’m excited to take on this role.”

Drummond also confirmed that LeBron James and Anthony Davis played a role in his decision-making process. But those conversations were more “fun” than influential.

“For me, I thought it was the best option,” Drummond said. “I think by being here, I can go in right away and impact this team on defense, just with my toughness on both sides of the court, but mostly on defense, coming here to be the anchor of their team.”

However, to say that Drummond fell directly into the Lakers’ laps by pure chance would be inaccurate.

Photo by Cameron Browne / NBAE via Getty Images

Last year, the Detroit Pistons traded Drummond to the Cavaliers for Brandon Knight, John Henson and a second-round pick after failing to have him as a cornerstone of their franchise. The Cavaliers were hopeful that Drummond could be a big part of their future when they acquired him, but they also decided to leave him despite his impressive counting stats. Drummond played his last game for the Cavaliers on February 12.

With the Lakers, Drummond won’t be forced to take on a star role, and he doesn’t like that he’s going to force himself to take on one.

“I had a discussion with Coach Frank about [my role] now, ”Drummond said. “I know what it is, he knows what it is, the team knows what it is, so I’m here to help in whatever capacity. I’m not here to steal the shine from anyone, I’m just here to help this team win as many games as possible.

Drummond went a step further and said his number one priority is to make life easier for the Lakers’ superstar tandem of James and Davis on both ends of the floor, but especially on defense.

“I’m not here to do anything but win, so I think playing with those guys can really benefit my game and allow them to play their game,” Drummond said. “They have a third person to wreak havoc on the painting.”

Playing James specifically is something Drummond has thought about for a while, as evidenced by his 2011 tweet that has since resurfaced as a result of his signing with the Lakers.

“The funny thing about that tweet is that when it came out, I was sitting with my best friend and he said, ‘I remember this and the day you tweeted it.’ It was the day before I went to the University of Connecticut, so just to get back to where you started and have a chance to do it is … it’s crazy how time works, ”Drummond said.

But Drummond also expressed his enthusiasm for playing alongside Davis, who was selected eight picks before him in 2012.

“I think for me coming here, AD can slide down to four and play his true position and be very good at it without suffering the bumps and bruises that I do at five,” Drummond said. “So I’m looking forward to having that tandem with him and being on the same court as him.”

Drummond will have to wait a bit to play with James and Davis, as they are both suffering injuries right now, but he shouldn’t have to wait too long to make his first appearance for the Lakers. His first opportunity will come Wednesday, when the Lakers host the Milwaukee Bucks, but he still doesn’t know if he will be able to play.

“I just got here yesterday so I’m trying to figure out all of these things right now,” Drummond said. “But I think for me personally, it could have an immediate impact on defense for this team, so I hope I get a chance to get back on the court again.

“It’s been almost a month and more than 10 days since I last played, so you can imagine the hunger and excitement I have to play and step on the court.”

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