– Viable backup at center
After the injury to Cousins, the Lakers clearly have a need at center. While Cousins was a bit of a wild card coming into next season, he was going to have a somewhat significant role for the Lakers. However, with him out, the Lakers will need someone to fill those minutes.
With it being August and free agency pretty much all dried up, options are limited. Howard is currently on the Memphis Grizzlies after a trade, but a buyout seems likely for him. The Grizzlies have some good depth in their frontcourt and are rebuilding. They are going to want to get as many minutes as they can for their younger players, and Howard doesn’t seem to have much of a future there.
Howard didn’t play a ton of minutes last season as he battled injury. However, if he is healthy and right, he could be a strong backup center for McGee. The Lakers wouldn’t be asking a ton of Howard, as they would likely only need him for 15-20 minutes a night. In that smaller role, Howard should be able to contribute at a fairly high level in short bursts.
Since the options at center aren’t great, Howard is arguably the best one that could be available.