Lakers Rumors: Dwight Howard, Joakim Noah, Other Free-Agent Centers On LA's Radar For 2019-2020

Nearly two months after the official start of NBA free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to make a notable addition for the 2019-2020 NBA season. L.A. is reportedly set to work out the top centers on the market, looking to replace the recently injured DeMarcus Cousins on their roster.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers are planning to evaluate Joakim Noah, Dwight Howard and Marreese Speights. Marcin Gortat is reportedly another possible option for Los Angeles.

With Anthony Davis preferring to play power forward, Cousins had a chance to be the Lakers’ No.1 center next season. Cousins suffered a torn ACL last week, which should at the very least force him to miss the majority of the regular season.

Cousins signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Lakers in early July.

Howard has one year and $5.6 million left on his contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis is hoping to work out a buyout with the veteran.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Sunday that there is mutual interest between Howard and the Lakers. Los Angeles traded for Howard in 2012, though the eight-time All-Star left L.A. as a free agent after one rocky season. Howard has since played with four different teams.

Howard played just nine games last season because of back injuries. He averaged 16.6 points, 12.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game for the Charlotte Hornets in 2017-2018.

Noah has played 46 games or fewer in four straight seasons. The free agent averaged 7.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 16.5 minutes per game for Memphis last season.

Speights didn’t play in the NBA last season. Gortat was waived by the Los Angeles Clippers in February.

JaVale McGree is the only healthy center on the Lakers’ roster.