NBA Rumors: LA Lakers Expecting To Receive 'Strong Consideration' From Andre Drummond On Buyout Market

One of the most intriguing targets for the Lakers on the buyout market is veteran center Andre Drummond of the Cleveland Cavaliers. In a Twitter post, Marc Stein of the New York Times revealed that the Purple and Gold are expecting to receive "strong consideration" from Drummond if he and the Cavaliers agree to a contract buyout.

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.

Though they recently added Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell in the 2020 offseason, targeting Drummond might still make a lot of sense for the Lakers. Drummond may not possess Gasol's floor-spacing and passing skills, but he's younger, more durable, and could move faster on the court. Also, unlike the 6-foot-7-inch Harrell, Drummond's size is more suitable for playing the center position.

Drummond's potential  arrival in Los Angeles could improve their performance on both ends of the floor, giving them a very reliable scoring option under the basket, a monster rebounder, and a quality rim protector. This season, he's averaging 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.6 steals while shooting 47.4 percent from the field, per ESPN.

If the Cavaliers really decide to buy out his contract and let him choose his next destination as a free agent, it might not be surprising if Drummond ends up with the Purple and Gold. Though he's only expected to receive a supporting role, joining forces with James and Davis in Los Angeles could give him the opportunity to play in the 2021 Playoffs and a realistic chance of winning his first NBA championship title this season.

If he performs well with the Lakers, it could greatly help him in landing a decent contract when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in the 2021 offseason. 

Before they consider letting him walk away as a free agent without getting anything in return, the Cavaliers may still try to find a workable trade partner for Drummond before the March 25 deadline. However, according to Sam Amico of FortyEightMinutes, finding such a team won't be easy for the Cavaliers.

The two-time All-Star center is currently owed $28.5 million this season, making it harder for potential trade suitors to match his salary. Also, though he's a possible one-year rental, the Cavaliers are still expecting to receive valuable assets in the deal involving Drummond.