Photo: Bleacher Report

Andre Drummond is arguably the most mentioned name as far as possible new additions to the Los Angeles Lakers are concerned. His contract would need to be bought out first by the Cleveland Cavaliers before he could sign with the reigning NBA champions.

According to a former NBA champion Richard Jefferson, the 27-year-old center has means to work his way to the Lakers. “Well look, there’s a lot of different ways that Drummond himself to Lakers,” he said on The Jump on ESPN.

“He can say, like ‘No matter who you trade me for,’ and his agent can have that communication that ‘I don’t care if it’s a second round pick or if it’s a player, I’m not showing up.’ So teams can be hesitant and they’ll force a buyout and get him out of there.

If Drummond shows up he brings them some strength, he brings them some defense, he brings them a force. Now, are his stats and numbers elevated a little bit because he hasn’t been on great teams? Yes, but ultimately he is a high level impact player, almost a better version of what Dwight Howard was for them last year.”

Drummond averaged 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game this season for Cleveland.