Report: Dwight Howard Interested in Returning to Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers’ roster for the 2019-20 season seems to be set, but there is another quality player who reportedly wants to play for the Purple and Gold.

That player happens to be former Lakers big man Dwight Howard.

Howard, who was traded to the Lakers prior to the 2012-13 season only to leave them in free agency a year later, apparently has interest in returning to the team, according to Arash Markazi of the Los Angeles Times.

After earning the reputation of being arguably the best center in the NBA as a member of the Orlando Magic, he started experiencing chronic back issues.

Howard once was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year for three consecutive seasons, but after leaving the Lakers, his defensive production, particularly his ability to block shots, saw a marked decline.

He has played for three different teams in the last three seasons. This offseason, he was traded by the Washington Wizards to the Memphis Grizzlies after playing only nine games in the 2018-19 campaign.

The Grizzlies are trying to trade Howard to another team, but will reportedly waive him by the end of the offseason if they’re unable to do so.

Howard seems to also have some interest in joining the Lakers’ crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, as well.

It would likely be very hard for the Lakers to find significant playing time for the 33-year-old Howard, given that they now possess Anthony Davis, Javale McGee and DeMarcus Cousins.

Still, it is interesting to learn that he is interested in rejoining his former squad.