NBA free agency 2016: 5 worst fits for Dwight Howard

4. Los Angeles Lakers

There have been some murmurs around the league suggesting Howard could make another stop with the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant was reportedly the cause of many of Howard’s problems in his previous, one-year stint in Los Angeles, and he has now retired. Mike D’Antoni has left as well, and with Luke Walton now at the helm and the Lakers in the market for a center, Los Angeles could be an attractive destination for Howard.

This idea could not be a worse.

For one thing, Lakers fans will never forgive Howard for what happened in his lone season in purple and gold. The Lakers mortgaged part of their future for another run at a title, and Dwight was supposed to be a central figure in that run. Instead, he became a hindrance, and was more headache than helpful. Lakers fans are many things; quick to forget is not one of them.

Moreover, while playing for Walton probably seems enticing to every free agent, Howard would almost certainly clash with him. Coming from the Golden State Warriors, Walton would expect things from Howard — as a pick-and-roll screener, defender and so on — he hasn’t been willing to do since leaving Orlando. There’s no reason to think that will change now. In short, Howard signing with the Lakers would be a complete disaster.

Next: No. 3 Hawks