3 former Lakers players LA should bring back in free agency

Jun 3, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3), forward LeBron James (23) and coach Frank Vogel react in the second half during game six in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 3

Credit: Nic Antaya/Getty Images /

JaVale McGee, Center

Again, the center position remains a priority for the Lakers to address this offseason. While Howard did start at center for the Lakers in their championship run, they also had a capable backup in JaVale McGee to come off the bench.

Through 68 games last season, McGee averaged 6.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks a night while shooting 63.7 percent from the field. He played in 14 of Los Angeles’ playoff games, resulting in him winning his first NBA title.

Shortly after the season ended, the Lakers chose to trade McGee to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he spent 33 games before being flipped to the Denver Nuggets. Overall, McGee posted an average of 7.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game through 46 regular-season games.

Sure, the Howard-McGee pairing was far from exciting on paper, but they did play a role in the team winning its first NBA title in 10 years. That should count for something. Like Howard, McGee should be on Los Angeles’ radar.

Home/Los Angeles Lakers