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The Los Angeles Lakers’ struggle to find consistency hasn’t gotten any easier since the trade deadline passed and the acquisition market came to a halt.
That’s not a surprise to forward Andre Drummond, who joined the Lakers after being bought by the Cleveland Cavaliers last month. After defeating the Charlotte Hornets, 101-93, on Tuesday, Drummond explained that the building chemistry will take time. Until then, LA can focus on playing tough defense like it did against the Hornets.
On Tuesday, that defense held Charlotte 25.7 percent behind the arc, forced 18 turnovers while building an 11-point lead.
That’s not to say the Lakers didn’t show flashes of offensive chemistry on Tuesday. LA shot 41.5 percent from the ground – 36.4 percent of three – and assisted on 24 of his 34 shots from the field.
“We are still learning,” Drummond said. “I’m still learning. I’m still trying to figure it out. For a team that has so many people right now and guys that are hurt, we’re still finding ways to come together and win. It just shows the struggle and grind that we have here.”
LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (Achilles) remain out and there is no question that the entire Lakers game plan will change dramatically once they return. With two of the best players in the NBA returning to the court, it would be foolish to believe otherwise.
The Lakers are 6-4 in their last ten games and remain fifth in the Western Conference. As the defending champs try to bounce back for another deep run in the playoffs, their newest acquisition is trying to keep things simple by working hard on defense. The rest will only be easier after that.