2. He’ll (probably) be available
As far as backup center options for the purple and gold, the pickings are slim right now given that it’s August.
Their other options could be serviceable, but none have the accomplishments, credentials or talent that Howard possesses.
If you don’t remember, the Washington Wizards traded him earlier this summer to the Memphis Grizzlies for C.J. Miles. It’s widely assumed that Howard will not play for the Grizzlies this upcoming season, as they plan to waive him.
The Grizzlies are trading CJ Miles to Washington for Dwight Howard, league source tells ESPN. Deal saves Memphis $3.1M. Grizzles will waive or trade Howard, per source.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2019
Such a move sounds prudent for the Grizzlies, who lost Mike Conley to the Utah Jazz, as well as Marc Gasol to the world champion Toronto Raptors months ago and should be looking to rebuild. Keeping Howard’s $5.6 million that he’s due for the 2019-20 season on the books doesn’t seem to make sense for a team that’s in their situation.
(By the way, isn’t it interesting that the same franchise that traded Pau Gasol to the Lakers has two players that the purple and gold could really use – Dwight Howard and Andre Iguodala – and are supposedly going to waive them, perhaps paving the way for at least one of them to join the Lakers and help them win a championship for the first time in, like, forever, just as Gasol did a decade ago?)
Plus, Howard himself seems like he may be interested in returning to the Lakers.
In addition, in a recent interview with Fox Sports 1’s Kristine Leahy on Fair Game, he admitted that although he was mad about Kobe Bryant calling him “soft,” he’s now glad it happened.
Even the most arduous Dwight Howard haters have to admit he did show at least a little bit of maturity and introspection in that interview.
A healthy and more mature and conscientious Howard could be a nice asset for the Lakers this upcoming season.