“So Much Expectations Being a Laker”: Andre Drummond Explains the Difficulties he Faced at the Lakers

Posted on by Jack Marks

Brooklyn Nets star Andre Drummond has donned four different jerseys in the past two years. However, it was the Los Angeles Lakers, who raised everyone’s expectations for Drummond. Simply put, Drummond was well aware that the Lakers’ current makeover had left him on the outside looking in. He was well aware that there was no space for him in LA, and that it was in everyone’s best interests for him to go.

Even before the Los Angeles Lakers made a flurry of transactions this week, it was evident that Andre Drummond’s time in Los Angeles was finished. He didn’t exactly have a stellar season with the Purple & Gold last season, and it was widely assumed that he would leave the Lakers once he reached free agency.

Former Los Angeles Lakers star Andre Drummond
Credits: NY Post

Drummond signed a one-year, $2.4 million veteran’s minimum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers on August 4, 2021. Drummond was dealt with the Brooklyn Nets on February 10, 2022, along with Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, and two future first-round selections, for James Harden and Paul Millsap.

Andre Drummond opens up on facing difficulties at Los Angeles Lakers

“Yeah the Lakers is exactly what you think it is man, you gotta be built differently to play for that organization, you gotta be mentally strong not only on the court but off the court too because there’s so much expectations to being a Laker and putting that purple and gold on because if you ain’t living up to expectations they will let you know you ain’t worthy enough to put on that jersey,” Drummond said.

In 25 games with the Lakers, Drummond averaged 11.9 points and 10.2 rebounds. They weren’t bad figures, but they were hoping for more from the former Piston. Andre Drummond clearly treasures his time with the Lakers, who have a long and illustrious history. It’s too bad things didn’t work out for him.