Drummond joining Lakers
LOS ANGELES — Andre Drummond says he’s joining the Los Angeles Lakers for the playoff push. Drummond announced his decision with a post on his Instagram account Sunday, writing “Back to work” underneath an illustration of himself in a Lakers uniform.
The defending NBA champions didn’t immediately confirm the signing of the twotime All-star center several hours before a home game against Orlando. Drummond agreed to a buyout Friday from the Cleveland Cavaliers, who acquired the four-time NBA rebounding champion last year after nearly eight seasons in Detroit. He had to clear waivers before he could join a team of his choosing, and Drummond chose to link up with Lebron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers.
Drummond is almost certain to get his first significant NBA postseason playing time with the Lakers after appearing in only eight playoff games — and losing all eight — in two postseason trips with the Pistons.
When Drummond gets up to playing speed after sitting out the past six weeks, the two-time All-star Game selection should be a notable upgrade at center for Los Angeles, which won a competition with several contenders for his services over the weekend.
Drummond’s rebounding and interior scoring should immediately boost the Lakers as they attempt to hang on to a top seed in the Western Conference without James and Davis. James is out indefinitely with a sprained right ankle, while Davis hasn’t played since Feb. 14 due to a right calf injury.
Drummond is averaging 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 25 starts for the Cavs this season. He hasn’t played since Feb. 12, when Cleveland benched him to give more playing time to youngster Jarrett Allen. Drummond would be second in the league in rebounds per game to Atlanta’s Clint Capela if he had played enough games to qualify among league leaders. His four offensive rebounds per game would be third in the NBA.
The Lakers currently rank ninth in the NBA in rebounds per game (45.1), but just 17th in offensive rebounds (9.6).
Drummond’s arrival in LA is the latest development in the NBA’S annual super-team agglomerations around the trade deadline. Brooklyn added Blake Griffin and Lamarcus Aldridge this month, while Miami got Victor Oladipo and Denver landed Aaron Gordon and Javale Mcgee.
SUNS 101, HORNETS 97 (OT)
Devin Booker scored 35 points and Chris Paul added 16 in visiting Phoenix’s victory against Charlotte.
Deandre Ayton finished with 14 points and Mikal Bridges had 13 for the Suns, who won three of four on their swing through the Southeast.
Devonte Graham led the Hornets with 30 points, and Terry Rozier had 22 points and 10 rebounds. Miles Bridges also had double-double (18 points, 12 rebounds), Gordon Hayward scored 15 and P.J. Washington added 12 rebounds.
A crowd of 3,850 saw the Hornets force overtime when a 3-pointer by Rozier tied the game at 90-90 with 33.5 seconds left.