The Los Angeles Lakers’ ideal plans for the 2019-20 season went out the window earlier this week when big man DeMarcus Cousins went down with an ACL tear.
Since then, fans and foes alike have wondered which available big men the Lakers will inquire about to try to fill the vacant spot.
On Sunday, they got their answer.
According to a report, there is mutual interest between the Lakers and veteran big man Dwight Howard.
The Lakers have been patient in approach since Cousins' injury, and another accomplished veteran center on the market is Joakim Noah. Howard is expected to be eventually released by Memphis. https://t.co/mvLx2jsS8Q
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 18, 2019
If the Lakers were to sign the eight-time All-Star, it would be the second time Howard has donned the Purple and Gold. Considering the way his first turn with the team went, it would be something of a surprise to see him back in Staples Center.
Back in 2011, the Lakers managed to trade for Howard when he was considered to be one of the most dominant bigs in the NBA. While he had a solid statistical year with the Lakers, averaging 17.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, resentment between him and Lakers legend Kobe Bryant grew throughout the season.
Despite that, the Lakers offered Howard a five-year, $118 million contract the following summer when he became a free agent. Instead of re-signing with the Lakers, Howard opted to spur L.A. and signed with the Houston Rockets.
Since then, Howard’s game has grown less and less effective as he has aged. Last year with the Washington Wizards, Howard missed the vast majority of the season due to surgery. He played only nine games in the 2018-19 campaign, averaging 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.
Once considered the most dominant big man in the game, Howard is now considered to be an afterthought.
Redemption for Howard back where his reputation in the league first faltered would be quite the Hollywood story. However, even if the Lakers do ultimately sign Howard, that redemption seems unlikely.
