NBA: Dwight Howard Recalls Lakers Atmosphere But Not Expecting Call-Up

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to skim the market for the best available big man following the sudden injury to DeMarcus Cousins. The 29-year-old suffered an ACL injury during a workout in Las Vegas and is most likely to miss the 2019-20 NBA season.

The Lakers were hoping to reunite Cousins with Anthony Davis to form a vaunted frontline. Both played together during the 2017-18 season and the duo did wonders for the New Orleans Pelicans. All hopes of rekindling that partnership have gone up in smoke and now the Lakers need to decide on who can fill in that void in the middle.

There are several names available in the market such as Joakim Noah, Kenneth Faried, and Nene. Dwight Howard, who suited up for the Lakers during the 2012-13 NBA season is also another potential candidate although the top pick of the 2004 NBA Draft's chances of returning to Hollywood is not looking that good. His decision to leave the Lakers in 2013 is still fresh in the minds of Lakers fans and the 6-foot-11 big man is apparently aware of it.

Speaking to Arash Markazi of The Los Angeles Times, Howard mentioned how he had great memories playing at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. He recalled how things were rocking each time he played there. However, it was the environment during his time there where he was not a fan of.

It would be best to note as well that the eight-time NBA All-Star has seen a dip in play ever since. From someone who many saw as a potential future Hall of Famer, Howard has seen his career hampered by injuries. After playing 81 games with the Charlotte Hornets during the 2017-18 season, he appeared in only 9 games for the Washington Wizards due to a back and hamstring injury.

His durability alone poses a big question mark if the Lakers are considering him. If not Howard, the purple and gold may best move on to other candidates like Faried or Nene Hilario. Faried looms as the better option because he is a good defender and someone who can control the boards. He lacks the offensive prowess but that is something that Davis, LeBron James and the rest can easily cover.

Nene, on the other hand, could be a good addition only that his age (36) is something that may not fit well with the Lakers system. He seems better off as a player coming off the bench, perhaps spelling JaVale McGee. Filling up Cousins void is important since it will define what role Davis will have this season. Originally set at power forward, the 26-year-old may need to adjust and play the center position more unless a reliable big man enters the fray.