The Los Angeles Lakers may have an easier pathway to acquire Dwight Howard than initially expected, as his current team, the Memphis Grizzlies, is expected to release him eventually, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Howard has shown deep interest in joining the Lakers while the organization is doing its due diligence to find out if the three-time Defensive Player of the Year still has the legs to play after coming out of an injury-riddled season with the Washington Wizards.
This could set up the ultimate redemption story after Howard walked away from the Lakers during free agency in 2013 after only one season with the team, choosing to sign with the Houston Rockets.
The intriguing part, however, is how willing the Grizzlies are about facilitating this exchange, considering that they're still seeking out a potential first-round pick for Andre Iguodala — a player they did not release in fear the Lakers would soon scoop him up after he cleared waivers.
If the Grizzlies are so willing to let Howard walk, it's likely Memphis doesn't see the perennial All-Star as a contributing member moving forward, which is worrisome in itself. The Lakers, however, are in a difficult position after DeMarcus Cousins tore his ACL last week, liking shelving him for the season.
It's unclear if Howard could be the starter or come off the bench at the center spot, but if he is released by the Grizzlies and consequently signed by the Lakers, he'd have to be willing to share minutes (and the spotlight) with Anthony Davis in the frontcourt.
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