Andre Drummond on Lakers: “ I’m just here to help in any capacity. I’m not here to do anything but win ‘

On August 11, 2011, even before playing an NBA game, Andre Drummond tweeted that one of his goals in life was to play with LeBron James. On Sunday, nearly a decade after that initial tweet, Drummond made that dream come true by signing with James’ Los Angeles Lakers. “To be able to come full circle and do it, it’s crazy how time works”, Drummond said during his introductory press conference on Monday.

The most recent Laker was all smiles on his first official day as a Laker. Why shouldn’t he be? Drummond, 27, has never played for a competitor. He’s only made eight playoff games, all losses, and has clearly never made it past the first round. Now he’s playing for the defending champions, and he’s ready to do whatever it takes to adjust to this new situation.

“For me, I’m just here to help in any capacity,” Drummond explained. “I’m not here to do anything other than win.” He added that he had lost between 10 and 15 pounds since being benched by Cleveland. This improved physical condition will serve him well, but his form in Los Angeles remains a matter of debate. The Lakers already have Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell in center, and of course Anthony Davis will play the post in the playoffs a bit. Drummond revealed that he spoke with Frank Vogel about his role, but timidly played on the details while acknowledging the sacrifices everyone will have to make to make this situation work. “I’m just here to help in any capacity,” Drummond said“I’m not here to steal the shine from anyone.”

Drummond’s status for Wednesday’s game against the Bucks isn’t clear, but he’ll make his debut with the team soon. The Lakers will need him. With James and Davis, they are about to embark on the most difficult part of their schedule. As of this Milwaukee game, 11 of the Lakers’ next 13 opponents are currently slated to at least make the postseason play-in round, and real contenders like the Bucks, Clippers, Nets and Jazz await them all. during this period. It will take time for Drummond to acclimatize, and the Lakers will have to adapt on the fly when James and Davis return, but they need all the talent they can get if they are to keep their heads above ground. water for the moment. . They signed on Drummond in part to help them do it, and if his introductory press conference was any indication, he’s ready to get down to business.