The Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as powerful front-runners to signal facility Andre Drummond, sources told ESPN on Saturday night.

Drummond clears waivers on Sunday in 5 pm ET but is anticipated to formalize his choice to join with the Lakers when Sunday, a league source told ESPN.

The Lakers’ superstar players and front office have been recruitment Drummond difficult, selling him to the chance to step in the defending winner’s starting lineup,” sources said. The Lakers have experienced inconsistent centre play Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell this year, and Drummond’s capacity to defend the paint and rally will permit for him to have an important effects.

All-Star Anthony Davis will be expected to perform centre minutes at the postseason, also.

Drummond and his representative, Jeff Schwartz, had talks with several teams since reaching a buyout using all the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, such as the Lakers, Clippers, Knicks, Celtics, Hornets and many others, sources said.

Drummond agreed to a buyout about the rest of the $27.9 million left on his 2020-2021 contract.

Drummond has not played a match since Feb. 12, after the Cavaliers determined they’d separate until a contract or trade buyout.

Following the Cavaliers exchanged for a younger centre, Jarrett Allen, Drummond’s character was diminished as well as the sides agreed he would depart the active roster before a transaction or buyout enabled him to proceed.

Drummond spent eight years with all the Detroit Pistons prior to a 2020 transaction to the Cavaliers. He had been a two-time All-Star using the Pistons.