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Los Angeles Lakers: Best free-agent fits for Dwight Howard if he leaves

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 25: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers battle for a rebound off a shot by LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half of the game at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 25: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers battle for a rebound off a shot by LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half of the game at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Dwight Howard is a free agent after his one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers that led to a title.

It is crazy how much can change in a year. Just over a year ago, we were speculating about whether or not the Los Angeles Lakers had a depth issue at the center position as it was not a guarantee that Dwight Howard would be productive.

While he has a Hall of Fame track record to his name, Howard had not been productive in his last several pit spots and seemed more like an off-court distraction than anything else. He also did not have the greatest past with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Howard proved every pundit wrong. While he is far from who he used to be, Howard brought exactly what the Lakers needed him to bring, providing 20 quality minutes off the bench on a nightly basis for the Lakers.

Howard wound up winning the starting center job in the NBA Playoffs and proved to be a reliable rebounder and rim protector while also playing a big role in frustrating talented young big men in Nikola Jokic and Bam Adebayo.

Howard is now a free agent and while I personally am hopeful that he will re-sign with the Lakers, it is not a guarantee. He has raised his free-agent value with a bounceback season and the Lakers could go another direction at center.

DeMarcus Cousins is a possibility for the Lakers and JaVale McGee has a player option. There is the chance of the Lakers trading McGee, but if they can’t, then they simply might not have enough room for a third center.

Thus, Howard would be tasked with finding a new home. Cap space won’t prevent any teams from signing Howard, either, as he is undoubtedly going to get a veteran minimum deal. Here are the best fits for the veteran center on the free-agent market.

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