Report: Lakers to sign Howard after buyout from Grizzlies
Dwight Howard agreed to a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, according to his agent, and sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania that the eight-time All-Star intends to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Howard will receive a non-guaranteed contract, league sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The lack of job security that comes with the reported deal gives the Lakers an opportunity to move on from the 33-year-old center if he continues his recent streak of wearing out his welcome.
Howard has played for four teams over the past four seasons - the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, and Washington Wizards - in addition to non-playing stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Grizzlies before being waived or bought out.
He's continued to produce since the Orlando Magic traded him to the Lakers ahead of the 2012-13 season. Over the past seven years, Howard has averaged 15.8 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 59.2 percent from the field.
The Lakers recently found themselves with an unexpected hole at center when free-agent signing DeMarcus Cousins suffered a torn ACL in mid-August. After already battling back from a ruptured Achilles tendon and torn quadriceps, the four-time All-Star could miss the 2019-20 season.
With Cousins out, JaVale McGee was set to enter the campaign as the lone traditional center on the Lakers' roster.