Free agent center Andre Drummond has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the New York Knicks, turning down interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Charania reported the agreement on July 3, 2026, noting that multiple clubs pursued the 32-year-old veteran before he chose New York. Drummond, a Mount Vernon, N.Y., native, fills the vacancy left by Mitchell Robinson, who joined the Boston Celtics earlier in free agency.
Lakers’ depth chart grows thinner
Los Angeles moved starting center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards earlier in the week in exchange for guard Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks, creating an immediate need behind projected starter Walker Kessler. The franchise also lost reserve big man Jaxson Hayes, who accepted a two-year offer from the Utah Jazz.
At present, Austin Reaves, 28, is the oldest player on the Lakers roster as the organization leans into a youth-oriented rebuild. Drummond, who turns 33 next month, would have offered experience, elite rebounding and a recently added corner three-pointer honed during his stint with the Philadelphia 76ers. His age and declining athleticism, however, made him a less seamless fit with Los Angeles’ timeline.
Options shrinking for Los Angeles
With Drummond and Hayes off the market, potential free-agent alternatives for the Lakers include Nick Richards and Kevon Looney. The club is also monitoring Jonas Valančiūnas, who is expected to be waived by the Denver Nuggets. If no suitable candidate emerges in free agency, Los Angeles could pivot to the trade market, armed with three movable second-round selections after the Ayton deal.
The Lakers have not indicated a timetable for filling the open roster spot, but team officials have acknowledged the necessity of adding another center before training camp.
Source: LakersNation.com
