Is a reunion in the card for the Lakers and a former star?

One of the biggest surprises thus far this season has been the strong play of the Los Angeles Lakers who have looked like a contender. This after a quiet offseason that saw them make no free agent signings and add only Dalton Knecht and Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft. Knecht has proven to be a major addition, giving them a sharpshooter who can provide some desperately needed spacing. However, one potential area of need is at center.

The Lakers have been scouring the free agency and trade market for a big man to give them more depth, and to potentially pair with all-star Anthony Davis. Davis is having a monster season, and while he has thrived playing the five, he could also benefit from having another big man who can share the floor with him.

Should the Los Angeles Lakers consider bringing back a former big man?

Former Laker center Dwight Howard has been out of the NBA for the last three seasons, but he is still playing professionally overseas and has been actively lobbying to return to the NBA. Howard previously played for the Lakers three different times including on the 2020 championship team.

While he is 38 years old, he still appears to be in shape and if he still has some of his athleticism and defensive instincts, he could be worth the Lakers bringing in to work out. If he performs well enough, they could even bring him back on the 10-day contract as a flyer to see whether they can address their big man need on the cheap.

Of course, there is a potential hiccup to them signing Howard or another free-agent center. They are just $50,000 underneath the second tax apron and with Howard's experience, he'd be making $3.5 million if he were signed to a regular NBA contract. Even if they were to bring him in on a series of 10-day contracts it would still be for the prorated minimum.

That could prevent a reunion from occurring, though at 38, that was probably a long shot. If the Lakers do end up adding a big man, it would likely be in a trade. A few trade candidates could include the Washington Wizards' Jonas Valanciunas, the Milwaukee Bucks' Brook Lopez, and the Chicago Bulls' Nikola Vucevic. Whether they can make a deal is still up in the air, but it is clear that the Lakers are already much improved this season compared to last season.