Once the Los Angeles Lakers re-sign superstar big man Anthony Davis, general manager Rob Pelinka will turn his attention to Dwight Howard and Markieff Morris.
Both Howard and Morris will become unrestricted free agents once the 2020 free agency period begins. According to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers are interested in bringing the veterans back.
The Lakers are interested in retaining free agents Dwight Howard and Markieff Morris after both had strong seasons and playoff outings.
Howard averaged 7.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game for the Lakers during the 2019-20 regular season. He shot 72.9 percent from the field and was on his best behavior.
Morris, meanwhile, put up 5.3 points in 14 games with the Lakers, who signed the small forward after he got bought out by the Detroit Pistons. In the 2020 playoffs, Morris averaged 5.9 points and shot 44.9 percent from the field and 42.0 percent from beyond the arc.
The Lakers, who won the 2020 championship over the Miami Heat in six games, are acquiring Dennis Schröder from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Los Angeles is protecting itself just in case Rajon Rondo leaves the team in free agency.
As long as LeBron James and Davis are on the roster, the Lakers will be title contenders. However, with James Harden looking to get traded to the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles may have to think about acquiring a third star since a Big Three of Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving would give the Lakers a lot of problems.
The Lakers also have to be mindful of the Golden State Warriors, who will have Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson back in the lineup next season.