NBA Rumors: Ex-Laker Who Got Death Threats Almost Made 'Showtime' Return

The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be assembling a new cast for the 2021-22 NBA season with players who had donned the purple and gold at some point in the past. One former player who almost made the jump was apparently Danny Green.

During a recent press conference with the Philadelphia 76ers, Green revealed that he was recruited by returning Lakers big man Dwight Howard back to Los Angeles.

Further, it appears Howard was not the only one who tried to get the three-time NBA champion to move to a new team. According to Green, George Hill also invited the 34-year-old two-way guard to consider a move to the Milwaukee Bucks.

All these are irrelevant for now as Green has opted to stay with the Sixers. He signed a two-year deal worth $20 million — an amount that the Lakers reportedly would not be able to match.

It would have made sense for Green to return considering he was one of the key figures in the Lakers' 2020 NBA title conquest. However, he was not spared from criticism and even received death threats, particularly after game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals.

As for the Lakers, they already have some players who at one point played for the franchise. Aside from Howard, also back in the fray are Wayne Ellington, Trevor Ariza and Kent Bazemore. Of that list, only Ariza and Howard have won NBA titles donning the purple and gold.

Russell Westbrook is the biggest name to join the Lakers this season. Kendrick Nunn is also on board, together with Malik Monk. Carmelo Anthony also signed up, agreeing to a one-year minimum deal.

There are still roster spots to fill, and some familiar names have been floated. That includes Isaiah Thomas, who is on the Lakers’ radar, according to veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein.

Another name that could make sense is Lance Stephenson. The veteran swingman is set to hold private workouts in Las Vegas with representatives from the Bucks, Sixers, Denver Nuggets and Brooklyn Nets among those attending, Yahoo Sports reported.

Stephenson’s last NBA game was with the Lakers during the 2018-19 season before taking his act to the Chinese Basketball Association. He signed with the Liaoning Flying Leopards in 2019 and led the team to the East Asia Super League Terrific 12. He won MVP honors that year.