3 Lakers flaws the Warriors exposed in NBA Play-in
By Scott Rogust
2. Andre Drummond a liability?
If the play-in game taught us anything, it is that center Andre Drummond may very well be a liability for the Lakers. That’s right, the guy they waited to be bought out by the Cleveland Cavaliers struggled yet again in his most important game for Los Angeles.
Drummond played all the way until midway through the third quarter, where he was pulled after turning the ball over. While the center was playing, the Lakers had a point differential of minus-9 and the team shot 35 percent from the field, per ESPN Stats and Info. Once Drummond retreated to the sidelines for the rest of the night, the Lakers were much more efficient, as they shot 50 percent from the floor and posted a point differential of plus-12.
When Davis filled in at center, his production drastically increased. When he was on the court with Drummond or Montrezl Harrell, Davis shot 1-for-11 from the field. But once Davis switched over to center, Davis shot 9-for-13 from the floor, per ESPN research specialist Matt Williams.
If Vogel starts Drummond in the 5-spot, he may very well be picked apart by Suns guards Chris Paul and Devin Booker, especially on pick-and-rolls. Phoenix is a dangerous team in the Western Conference, and the Lakers can not afford to have anyone in the starting lineup struggle.