Los Angeles Lakers: 4 free agents to sign away from other contenders

Jul 20, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) reacts against the Milwaukee Bucks during game six of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 20, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) reacts against the Milwaukee Bucks during game six of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
4 of 5
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

3. Dwight Howard

I would love to see Dwight Howard return to the Los Angeles Lakers. He is someone who the Lakers should have never let walk, especially due to the fact that he seemingly wanted to return to the Lakers. Instead, the Lakers did not offer him a contract and he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Ironically enough, the Lakers needed exactly what Howard brought to the table the year prior out of the center position. That eventually led to the team signing Andre Drummond as a buyout option. Drummond was not a great fit and is likely going to sign elsewhere this offseason.

The Lakers need to bring in a rim-protecting and rebounding big and there are several cheap options outside of Howard that bring that presence. However, Howard is the second-best option of those cheap options, so he could be on the Lakers’ radar this offseason.

Marc Gasol was disappointing but the Lakers can keep him around to space the floor and add a passing presence at the five. Throw in the potential for Anthony Davis to play center as well as (potentially) Nicolas Batum to play small-ball five and the Lakers would have a great outlook at the position.

Howard would play 20 or so minutes off the bench and get his seven points and seven rebounds and all would be right in the world.