NBA Rumors: Lakers Better Off With Former Bull Says Sports Analyst

The Los Angeles Lakers are working out several big men to fill in the void left by DeMarcus Cousins. The 29-year-old center was forced out following an ACL injury and now the purple and gold is looking at three guys to take his place. These are Dwight Howard, Joakim Noah and Mareese Speights.

All three names ring a bell and undoubtedly deserve a spot with the Lakers. However, there is only one spot that needs to be filled and the successful candidate will likely depend on his health and conditioning. Howard and Noah had their share of injuries last season so it may all boil down to who did better last NBA season.

Should this be the basis, former NBA player and current ESPN sports analyst may have a point when he spoke on Wednesday’s edition of ESPN’s "Get Up!" He feels that Howard is not a right fit for the Lakers considering all his accomplishments. Apparently, he feels that the three-time NBA Defensive of the Player of the Year is not suited to the role the Lakers are looking for.

“I don’t think it’s impossible but I saw a player in Charlotte that put up big numbers. The adjustment has to happen up here (on Dwight’s head), I think Dwight Howard still has some quality basketball left in him, and I believe he thinks that, too. I don’t believe he thinks that he’s a 12-minute-a-game type of player,” said Smith.

At this point in his career, it is anybody's guess what Howard has in his mind. His NBA career has taken a different twist and apparently the 6-foot-11 big man has struggled since leaving the Orlando Magic back in 2012. He did play for the Lakers during the 2012-13 season but most know how he turned his back at the time.

Curiously, Rose had something different to say about Noah. Singling out how the 34-year-old played more and better last year compared to Howard, he may be a ready and good fit. But as pointed out in a previous post, there is the question on how he and LeBron James will get along.

The Chicago Sun-Times pointed out how the two have a long history of hatred although The King has found a way to get along with past rivals. A clear example is Lance Stephenson who James got along with last season. Could he do the same with Noah? That will likely be the hot topic in the event the 2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year earns the Lakers' nod.