Veteran center Andre Drummond is off to a slow start with the Los Angeles Lakers and forward Kyle Kuzma thinks he knows why.
“I mean, it’s just a process, man,” Kuzma told reporters. “It’s not going to happen overnight. Rome wasn’t built overnight. think for him, it’s a big adjustment. When you think about it, he’s kind of never really been coached in his career — in Detroit, in Cleveland and then coming here to a championship organization, it’s tough. It’s tough.”
Drummond, 27, is averaging 9.2 points and 9.2 rebounds since signing on with the Lakers. That followed a contract buyout with the Cavaliers. Plenty of players around the league seemed to take issue with how the Cavs benched Drummond while seeking a trade.
“It’s a huge difference when you’re playing basketball and winning basketball,” Kuzma said. “He’s handled it well, and it’s an adjustment period, and I think once the two big dogs get back, it’s going to be much, much easier for him because it’s going to be a lot more simplified. And you’ll see some big impact games from him down the road.”
The Lakers (34-21) just finished their lengthy road trip with a 4-3 record, capping it with a win over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday.
All of it has happened minus injured stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Drummond has yet to play with either player.
