NBA Free Agency Rumors: Dwight Howard To Sign Non-Guaranteed Deal With Lakers After Grizzlies Buyout

Kareem Abdul-jabbar Critical Of Dwight Howard’s Work Ethic With Lakers

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the 2019-20 NBA season for the Los Angeles Lakers, DeMarcus Cousins was widely viewed as the team’s X-factor if he could return to All-Star form after two injuries.

To Cousins’ credit, he was doing his part during the offseason by getting into the best shape possible. Unfortunately, the 29-year-old later suffered a torn ACL.

As Cousins weighs his options, the Lakers are searching for a potential replacement with Anthony Davis and JaVale McGee as their only options at the center position.

Dwight Howard reportedly is finalizing a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and plans to sign with the Lakers now, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic:

In addition, Howard will sign a non-guaranteed deal with the Lakers, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:

At this stage of the 2019 NBA offseason, it was going to be difficult replacing Cousins. Along with Howard, the Lakers also worked out Joakim Noah and Marreese Speights.

As Howard returns to the Lakers for a second stint, there have been heated debates about signing him. Since Howard’s lone season with them and signing with the Houston Rockets, he has played for four different teams.

At 33-years-old and coming off injuries that limited him to nine games during the 2018-19 season with the Washington Wizards, it is unclear how much Howard has left in the tank.

While Howard was clearly the most talented one available, the Lakers made a smart move under the circumstances by signing him to a non-guaranteed deal. Although he has said the right things, on- and off-the-court issues have followed.

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