Andre Drummond misses game vs. the Los Angeles Lakers, DeMar DeRozan says the team is there for their teammate

A day after announcing he would be deleting his social media apps to focus on getting his mental health right, Chicago Bulls big man Andre Drummond missed the game versus the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night for personal reasons.

More than basketball

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan shared that he communicated with Drummond, telling the big man, “we’re all here to try to help him.” On Tuesday, the former All-Star tweeted this:

Donovan added that as superhuman as NBA players like Drummond look out there on the floor, there’s a human being under the jersey—one who struggles with things such as mental health.

“Your heart goes out for anybody. I think a lot of times as we come here and play games, there’s also a human side and personal side to all these guys. And you feel bad when anybody is going through something like that,” Donovan said. “I think you try to give as much support as you can. We have the resources inside the organization to help.”

DeRozan has Drummond’s back

As crucial as Drummond’s absence during this critical part of the season is, Bulls star DeMar DeRozan expressed support for his teammate and the tough decision he had to make.

“We love this game. We play this game. This game has been good to us all. But you gotta worry about and care for yourself first and foremost,” DeRozan said. “Because if you’re not right, everything you take care of and love and appreciate isn’t going to be right either.”

DeRozan also appealed to everyone to give Drummond the privacy and positivity he needs during this trying time.

“Give him my positive words and let him know we’re all there for him. That’s the most we can do. Allow him to open up on his terms.”