3 former Lakers players LA should bring back in free agency
By Scott Rogust
The Los Angeles Lakers should prioritize bringing back these three former players in free agency this summer.
The Los Angeles Lakers‘ season did not end the way they had envisioned. They were expecting to finish the year as back-to-back NBA champions, but that did not come to fruition. Instead, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Phoenix Suns, who look like the favorites to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy with the teams remaining in the field.
Of course, some Lakers fans want the team to make blockbuster moves to improve their chances of making the NBA Finals next year. Not all the moves have to be big. Rather, they can bring back some former players on veteran minimum deals in free agency. Here are three players the Lakers should bring back for the 2021-22 season.
3. Dwight Howard
If the playoffs proved anything, it is that the Lakers had a serious problem with big man depth on the roster. Once Anthony Davis went down with his groin injury in the first round, the Lakers had no capable options off the bench to produce, and the team suffered as a result. Hence why the Lakers should consider giving Dwight Howard a call this summer.
In his return with the Lakers last season, Howard averaged 7.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting 72.9 percent from the field. After winning the NBA title, Howard announced that would re-sign with the Lakers. Shortly afterwards, he chose to sign a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
This regular season, Howard averaged 7.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game in 69 appearances (six starts). As it turns out, that was exactly what the Lakers were missing this season.
The Lakers chose to go with Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol this season at center prior to signing Andre Drummond, and it did not work out as expected. Considering Howard’s presence helped the Lakers win an NBA title, the team should think about bringing him back for a third tenure.