Breaking down fantasy impact of Andre Drummond joining Lakers

Former Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond is headed to the West Coast. The big man fielded offers from a variety of teams following his release and has elected to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers once he clears waivers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Drummond will affect the frontcourt rotation for a Lakers team that’s a little banged up while Anthony Davis is sidelined with an Achilles injury. Let’s go over his potential fantasy basketball impact.

Fantasy basketball impact: Lakers C Andre Drummond

Drummond has been one of the NBA’s best rebounders since he entered the NBA, and that's where he’ll help Los Angeles the most. He’s been a lock to haul in 10 or more boards per game for a long time, and that trend should continue while AD isn’t in the picture.

Drummond has a chance to be a significant contributor on offense early on in his trial run with the Lakers. Marc Gasol is a much better defender and passer but doesn’t offer much as a scorer. Drummond can relieve the 36-year-old from time to time, but don’t expect him to get a healthy diet of post feeds. Drummond is a below-average finisher in the half-court, and Montrezl Harrell will be much more effective as a go-to scorer.

The Lakers’ newest big man will be worth picking up while LeBron James and Davis are out, but don’t bet the house on him and think that he’ll be productive long-term big. If he’s a good fit, Gasol should fall off the map as a viable fantasy option.