Demarcus Cousins tore his ACL last week, suffering yet another season-ending injury. With that in mind, Dwight Howard could provide depth behind JaVale McGee at center this season for the Los Angeles Lakers
Seven years after Dwight Howard left the Los Angeles Lakers, LA is now seriously interested in a reunion with the eight-time All-Star after losing Cousins to an ACL tear.
The 33-year old played just nine games last year with the Wizards due to injuries, but he averaged a respectable 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds in 25.6 minutes per contest.
Washington traded Howard to Memphis in early July for C.J. Miles, but now it looks like there is a possibility that he could leave the rebuilding Grizzlies for Los Angeles.
The Lakers are expected to request permission soon to speak to Dwight Howard and there's mutual interest between the eight-time All-Star and L.A. in wake of DeMarcus Cousins' torn ACL, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 18, 2019
Although last season was a write off for Howard, he has proven to be an established NBA player over the years. Yes, he has been deemed a complainer, immature, among many other things, but a second chance to play with the Lakers and make an impact could be an enticing opportunity for the 6-foot-11 center.
When he was with the Lakers in 2012-13, he really struggled and put a lot of the blame on Kobe Bryant for not passing him the ball enough. Seven years later, you could only hope that he’s matured and is ready to compete and be an impact player on a Lakers team that has a good chance of competing for an NBA title this season.
Here is why this could be a good move for Howard and the Lakers.
Depth at the five
Losing Cousins was a gigantic blow to the Lakers because he is a versatile big who can shoot the three and make an impact around the rim on both ends. JaVale McGee scored a career-high 12 points per night last season for LA, also collecting 7.5 boards a night. He has great length for a 7seven-footer and although he will likely start at center, having Howard as a backup could turn out to be valuable.
The former Orlando Magic star, Howard, has averaged 17.4 points and 12.7 rebounds throughout his career, which are extremely impressive numbers. Although those statistics have taken a dip in the last couple of years, he is still a physical presence in the paint. Howard is in his early 30’s now, but despite his age, he is still one of the strongest centers in the league.
His physicality and pure strength are evident, even just by looking at his muscular physique. He could be a prime target for LeBron James down low for lob passes and might even find his old self with a new team that is going to definitely be a contender. It could revitalize his competitive nature and make Howard really want to work extremely hard in order to be a valuable piece of the organization’s success.
Even though he has been injured several times in the last few seasons, overall, he has been pretty durable throughout his career. I have no doubt that Howard still has all the abilities to compete at a high level in this league, it’s just a matter of his attitude being right. He’s apparently 100 percent healthy now, so it wouldn’t hurt for the Lakers to give him an opportunity and see how it works out.
I think Howard is probably sick of all the years of drama and negativity surrounding him, so a fresh start with an organization he once suited up for could be a great option. He could even earn the starting spot over McGee if he impressed enough.
Either way, Dwight Howard would give the LA Lakers a solid second option at the five as LeBron looks to guide them to an NBA title in the 2019-20 campaign.