The Los Angeles Lakers are frantically looking for a big man and three names have so far been on their radar. The list includes Dwight Howard, Joakim Noah, and Mareese Speights. Depending on how the workouts turn out, that lucky NBA player will have big shoes to fill this coming NBA season.
The sudden search for a center comes at the heels of DeMarcus Cousins ACL injury. Boogie is expected to miss the entire 2019-20 NBA season, leaving a big void in the middle. One of the three players being worked out may end up taking his place and relieve Anthony Davis of playing the center position.
The curious thing here is that two of the three have a history with the Lakers or their players. Howard is best known as the same guy who turned his back on the purple and gold back in 2013. After six years, it seems a bit ironic to see him back in Hollywood although he is not the same 6-foot-11 player as before. Injuries have plagued the former Defensive Player of the Year and this is expected to factor in the decision-making process of the Lakers.
Next is Joakim Noah who had his beef with LeBron James in the past. They do have a history of hatred so it will be interesting how the two can co-exist this NBA season, the Chicago Sun-Times said. James has shown he can play alongside a former rival, the last of which was Lance Stephenson. Could he jive with the former Chicago Bulls big man this season if selected?
The last of the three is Speights, a former 16th overall draft pick and the youngest of the three. He has had stints with the Philadephia 76ers, Memphis Grizzlies, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers and the Orlando Magic before taking his act to the Chinese Basketball Association with the Guangzhou Long-Lions.
Ironically, Speights was with Lakers coach Frank Vogel with the Magic so it will be interesting if that will factor in, the Silver Screen and Roll said. He hardly has glaring numbers. Given the star power of the Lakers, all they need is someone who can space the floor and protect the paint.
After Friday's workout, the Lakers could reveal who they opted to tap in place of Cousins. It may all boil down to who is healthy and ready, practically a toss-up for now.
