Andre Drummond's debut with the Los Angeles Lakers lasted just over a half after the newly acquired center was forced to leave the game with a toe injury.
Drummond played 14 minutes Wednesday, March 31, in a 112-97 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks in his first game since signing with the Lakers earlier this week. He said he injured his right big toe in the first quarter when Bucks center Brook Lopez stepped on his foot. He had the toe wrapped at halftime but exited for good early in the third quarter.
https://twitter.com/SpectrumSN/status/1377497692851462148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1377497692851462148%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnba%2F2021%2F04%2F01%2Fandre-drummond-lakers-debut-toe-injury-whole-toenail-gone%2F4832406001%2F"I didn't really think anything of it," Drummond said. "I came back in the second quarter and it was hurting a little bit more. And then after halftime I finally took my sock off to look and my whole toenail was gone. It was all bad from there. I couldn't walk or run, so I just told coach to take me out."
Frank Vogel obliged, and Drummond limped to the locker room shortly after. X-rays were negative. The Lakers said Drummond will be re-evaluated Thursday and is considered day-to-day. Their next game is Friday on the road against the Sacramento Kings.
Drummond started and had four points, two assists and one rebound on 2-of-6 shooting, with four fouls and three turnovers. He said he felt good early and helped the Lakers take a six-point lead after the first quarter.
Drummond's injury is just the latest for a Lakers team struggling to weather the absence of its two best players. LeBron James missed his sixth straight game with a sprained ankle. Anthony Davis has been out since February 14, with a calf injury.
The Lakers have lost five of their last seven and have slipped to fourth place in the Western Conference at 30-18.