The Los Angeles Lakers are going through a tough stretch lately, as they’ve lost their top-three scorers due to multiple injuries. And, regardless of how good the supporting cast is, you’re not going to win many games in the NBA if you’re missing your three top guns.
At least, the purple-and-gold could get a glimpse of what Andre Drummond can give them going forward, as the recently acquired big man was able to play in his first full game with the franchise.
Drummond’s debut a couple of weeks ago was cut short due to a gruesome toe injury. He was forced to miss the next four games until making his comeback last night in a loss to the Miami Heat.
Andre Drummond Opens Up On His First Full Game As A Laker
And even though the outcome wasn’t great and it was clear that he still needs to get a better understanding of their system, Drummond was still pretty excited about what’s to come for them:
“The guys that played did a hell of a job keeping the fight in this game,” Drummond started.“(The injured toe) It felt good. A little sore but it’s not going to hold me back.”
“This being my first real game I played (for the Lakers), it felt good being out there. I’m still trying to figure guys out. I caught myself running into guys a few times,” the former Pistons star concluded.
Coach Frank Vogel Lauds Andre Drummond After First Full Game
Lakers coach Frank Vogel was also quite thrilled about his recently acquired weapon, lauding him for his dominant effort on both sides of the glass and his activity on the defensive end of the floor:
“Drummond was great. He competed, he does what he does, 15 and 12 in 26 minutes, four offensive boards, great screener, active hands defensively. Offensively, there’s a lot to learn still within our system, both sides of our ball, learning our teammates. Good first full game,” the coach told the media via Zoom.
The Lakers have a chance to do something really special with Drummond locking down the paint once Anthony Davis and LeBron James come back, so don’t rule out the defending champions even if they’re not winning many games right now.