For the Lakers, Andre Drummond is apparently much more than just a short-term commitment. Marc Gasol is courted by the old love – and at least one high performer is likely to return.
Media: Lakers want to keep Andre Drummond long term
The Lakers only strengthened during the season with Andre Drummond, who had been sacked by the Cleveland Cavaliers and could then be brought to the minimum. This deal was seen as a “rental” as Drummond was unlikely to accept such a small contract in the long term. Apparently, however, the Lakers have further plans.
Although the Lakers currently also have Montrezl Harrell, Marc Gasol and of course Anthony Davis for the center position, Drummond is apparently set to continue. The Lakers had communicated the following signal: “This is not a rental for half a season. Andre Drummond is part of the continuing future of our franchise.” This was reported by Lakers insider Dave McMenamin (ESPN) im “Lowe Post” Podcast.
At the Lakers, however, there are a number of free agents in the offseason who expect better pay. In addition to Drummond, this also includes Dennis Schröder, Alex Caruso, Talen Horton-Tucker and Harrell, who has a player option. Gasol, on the other hand, has another year of contract, but is still associated with a change.
Is Marc Gasol also about to return to FC Barcelona?
Gasol’s home club, FC Barcelona, should deal with a return of the center. His older brother Pau moved back to Spain before the season started and reached the EuroLeague Final Four with the Catalans, now Barca apparently want to try Marc Gasol (36) as well.
At least that’s what reports Sports Carousel: Juan Carlos Navarro, the general manager of Barcelona, who played for many years with both Gasols in the Spanish national team, wants to “try everything” to unite the brothers. Gasol lost his starting spot to Drummond with the Lakers in the course of the season and admitted several times that it was difficult for him to accept his greatly reduced role.
The Lakers Center and Their Annual Salaries
| Minuten (Playoffs) | salary | Contract until | |
| Andre Drummond | 20.8 / 4 games | 555k | runs out |
| Marc Gasol | 20/3 games | 2.6 million | 2022 |
| Montrezl Harrell | 9.5 / 2 games | 9.3 million | Player option for 21/22 |
| (Anthony Davis) | 34.8 / 4 games | 32.7 million | 2024 |
Lakers: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope feels “much better”
The Lakers have already announced that Anthony Davis will not be fit for Game 5 – the Big Man has been listed as “questionable”. The same goes for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who sounded much more optimistic after missing game 4. He’s “fine,” said the swingman.
Knee problems had put him out of game 4, even though he wanted to play there. It was a “50-50 decision,” said KCP. Now the knee is “much better”. The 27-year-old has not played a good series so far (only 4.0 points over three games), but is considered one of the team’s most important defenders, especially against Suns star Devin Booker.
Dennis Schröder shows understanding for Anthony Davis
The fact that Davis will probably be absent has to do with the fact that he went into game four already beaten and then injured himself a little more seriously in this game. This is a major setback for the Lakers, but the team was still optimistic for the next game. And Dennis Schröder noted that he could understand Davis’s will.
“He always wants to play, just like everyone else in this locker room,” said Schröder. “He has a passion for this game. He really wanted to be out there. He gave everything he had down to the last percentage point.” When asked about the recipe for success without the dominant Big Man, Schröder said the Lakers should try to play faster and generate many stops.
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