The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2021 season saw plenty of new faces don the purple and gold. While the team has been plagued by injuries throughout the season, the team caused a stir in the buyout market by bringing in big man Andre Drummond who was released by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Drummond’s time with the Lakers was a bit mixed as he had strong performances but also struggled to adapt to the ever-changing rosters that LA was forced to employ. The two teams eventually went their separate ways in the offseason, but Drummond holds no grudges against the Lakers and has enjoyed his time in Los Angeles.
In an interview on the Jefe Island YouTube page, Drummond spoke about his time with the Lakers, admitting that any player who goes purple and gold has to be built differently from a mental aspect:
“The Lakers are exactly what you think they are man, you have to be built differently to play for this organization. You have to be mentally tough, not just on the court but also off the court because there’s so much of expectations to be a Laker and put on that purple and gold because if you don’t meet those expectations they’ll let you know that you’re not worthy enough to wear that jersey. your ability and play hard every night no matter if you win or lose or draw you just have to play hard that’s what gets respect I had a lot of fun there.
Drummond is aware of this, as Lakers fans are extremely passionate and vocal when they feel like players are falling short of expectations. On the other side, however, they will fully embrace those who show up and exceed those expectations on their way to a championship.
Drummond also noted the odd situation he was in after not playing in Cleveland before coming to the Lakers and wishing he had a better opportunity to show what he could do:
“I came out of a weird situation with Cleveland where they sidelined me for four months and I came back, really trying to figure out how to fit into a team that I had never played with before and , I hadn’t played in four months too, so it was kind of a weird situation to get back into the rhythm of basketball. So I wish I had a better chance of really connecting with these guys and really doing something, but you know everything happens for a reason. The Lakers situation was fun though, I had a lot of fun being there.
Overall, Drummond’s situation hasn’t quite worked out as hoped, but sometimes things just don’t work out. Drummond gave it all purple and gold, but it didn’t deliver the results everyone was hoping for, but respect for the Lakers franchise remains strong from the big man.
Austin Reaves works with other young Lakers in the offseason
As for the current Lakers, the team has a handful of young players who will be looking to take that next step and make a huge impact on the team next season. Reaves says they’re all working this offseason so far.
“We’ve all been to the gym together, Stanley [Johnson]talent [Horton-Tucker]Wenyen [Gabriel]Mason [Jones]the Lakers guard told Lakers Nation. “Seeing a lot. Most of the training is more individual, but we’re in the gym at the same time. So yeah, it’s been a good start to the summer so far.