The Los Angeles Lakers' pursuit of Dwight Howard comes as no surprise in the wake of DeMarcus Cousins' torn ACL, which could sideline him for the entire 2019-20 NBA season. The purple and gold only have JaVale McGee as their lone true center and could use a quality big man to fill in at that spot.
According to an anonymous NBA executive “the low-risk, high-reward nature” of signing Howard for the veteran minimum could make it a worthwhile gamble for the team:
“Personal baggage aside, I would sign him,” the executive told HoopsHype. “He’s clearly the best player available if he’s healthy. We’ve heard the same song from him for years [as far as changing]. But for the minimum? Why not? If it doesn’t work, they move on.”
Another executive shared a similar sentiment, saying “it's worth the risk” and “they can cut bait” easily if things don't work out.
The Lakers could indeed simply release Howard if he proves detrimental to team chemistry or if he fails to meet expectations, whether that is on the court, off the court or simply in the nature of his health.
Howard was plagued by injuries last season with the Washington Wizards — something that forced the team to trade him after agreeing to give his backup, Thomas Bryant, a three-year deal.
The Memphis Grizzlies reportedly plan to release Howard eventually, which could make the Lakers his sixth team in the last five years. The 6-foot-11 big man played eight seasons with the Orlando Magic before making a move to the Los Angeles Lakers for one season and consequently signing with the Houston Rockets in the summer of 2013.
Since then, Howard has appeared in games with the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets and Wizards, plus non-playing stints with the Brooklyn Nets and now likely the Grizzlies — building a less-than-desirable reputation among league circles.
If the Lakers can yield a sound performance from Howard upon signing him, it would be some $2.56 million well-spent in the wake of the unfortunate Cousins news.
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