Howard, a former NBA champion, brings valuable postseason experience to the Lakers. His leadership and presence in critical games could be instrumental for the team.
With the departure of Anthony Davis, the Lakers have a significant gap at the center position. Signing Howard would provide a seasoned big man to anchor the defense and contribute offensively.
After his tenure with the Lakers, Howard has remained active in basketball, playing for teams in Taiwan in 2023 and 2024.
Bringing Howard back could be a cost-effective solution for the Lakers, especially compared to other free-agent centers like Deandre Ayton.
Howard's previous stint with the Lakers was successful, contributing to their 2020 championship win. His familiarity with the team's culture and players could facilitate a smooth reintegration into the roster.
While Howard is a strong candidate, the Lakers are also exploring other free-agent centers, such as Mo Bamba, to address their frontcourt needs.
Adding a player of Howard's caliber could enhance the Lakers' competitiveness in the Western Conference, providing depth and experience necessary for a deep playoff run.