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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The defending champions, Los Angeles Lakers, have been one of the best teams in the NBA for the last two seasons. Ever since they traded for superstar Anthony Davis, the Lakers have been absolutely unstoppable.

The champs had a great off-season, signing some great players like Dennis Schroder and Montrezl Harrell. But all of this came at the cost of letting go of valuable veterans like Rajon Rondo and the front-court duo of Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee.

With the lack of rim-protecting centers, the Lakers have struggled in the paint and needed a solid addition in the center position.

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NBA Insider gives an update on Lakers signing Andre Drummond

For a couple of weeks, multiple rumors have suggested that the Lakers are in pursuit of Cavaliers’ former big man Andre Drummond. After the conclusion of the trade deadline, NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Lakers are favorites for the big man, despite teams like Nets and Knicks interested in Drummond.

Recently, Woj gave an update on the same. The NBA insider reported that Drummond will indeed sign with the Lakers later today.

Given that competitors like the Nets signed a quality center in Aldridge, the 27-year-old Drummond will come in handy for the Lakers.

What will Andre Drummond add to the champions?

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The Lakers’ front court surely lacked a good center who could protect the rim and block numerous shots in a game. With Howard and McGee gone, the Lakers could have switched to a system where Anthony Davis played as a five.

But signing Drummond gives them a massive boost and is certainly an upgrade for the champions. With the 27-year-old in the lineup, the Lakers won’t have to switch Davis as the center who will be able to play as the power forward.

USA Today via Reuters

With the 2-time All-Star, the Lakers will get a rebounding machine and a massive pick and roll threat. The 2-time Defensive Player of The Year is averaging 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.

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With talented playmakers like Dennis Schroder and LeBron James, Drummond can be an amazing addition who can be a nuisance on the paint for other teams. On paper, the champions have a perfect lineup. Can they translate it to on-court success and defend their title?