The torn ACL suffered by offseason addition All-Star centre DeMarcus Cousins earlier in the week has moved the Los Angeles Lakers into swift action to try and strengthen their frontcourt rotation.
MORE: 4 Ways Cousins injury impacts Lakers
According to a report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Lakers are expected to request permission to speak with eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard, who is currently a member of the Memphis Grizzlies roster.
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
Howard, 33, was traded to Memphis earlier in the offseason after his lone season with the Washington Wizards was plagued by injury. A nagging back injury limited the big man to appearing in just nine games, but he was effective when he did play, as he posted averages of 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds while appearing in just under 26 minutes per contest.
Earlier in the offseason, Howard expressed that he would be ‘open’ to returning to the Lakers, as he spent the 2012-13 season with the franchise. That year, he appeared in 76 games, averaged 17.1 points, a league-leading 12.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game and earned All-NBA Third Team honours.
MORE: Who are the best available big men?
At this point in the offseason, the Lakers have limited options of available big men on the open market. Charania has also reported that this interest stems from the expectation that Memphis will soon release Howard, adding that Joakim Noah is another name that Los Angeles could be interested in adding.
The Lakers have been patient in approach since Cousins' injury, and another accomplished veteran center on the market is Joakim Noah. Howard is expected to be eventually released by Memphis. https://t.co/mvLx2jsS8Q
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 18, 2019
With the 2019-20 regular season quickly approaching, it's fair to expect the Lakers will take action sooner rather than later.
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