Report: Lakers to work out free agent Meyers Leonard
The Los Angeles Lakers will host a workout for free-agent center Meyers Leonard on Friday, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Leonard has been without a team since being released by the Oklahoma City Thunder in March 2021, one week after the Miami Heat traded him to the club. Prior to the deal, Miami suspended the 30-year-old for using an antisemitic slur while livestreaming himself playing video games. The NBA suspended Leonard for one week and fined him $50,000 following an investigation.
Leonard apologized to the Jewish community for the remark, stating he was unaware of the word's meaning.
At the time of his suspension, the Heat had already ruled Leonard out for the season after he underwent shoulder surgery. He then had ankle surgery in April 2021 but suffered nerve damage in his right leg due to the procedure.
The former Heat and Portland Trail Blazers center owns career averages of 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 447 games across nine seasons. In 2019-20, his last full campaign with Miami, Leonard recorded 6.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and shot 41.4% on 2.5 attempts from distance per contest while starting in 49 of his 51 appearances.
Los Angeles appears interested in adding an experienced big man to its roster. Four-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins is also reportedly expected to work out for the club.