One former Lakers star believes the franchise has made a big mistake not bringing the 2020 champion back to the team.
The Los Angeles Lakers need to make major changes this offseason. Despite the turbulence, it was a strong season for them.
The Lakers acquired Luka Donsic in one of the most amazing deals in NBA history. And after a volatile start, the Lakers reached the 50-win mark for the first time since winning the 2020 NBA Championship.
However, this trade stripped them of all their sizes. This was exposed in a loss in the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Well, this issue could have been resolved if they had regained a key piece of the 2020 NBA Championship roster early in the season.
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Jermaine O’Neal was a guest at the Night Cap Show. When discussing the Los Angeles Lakers, he believes they should re-sign Dwight Howard.
O’Neill explained that Howard is a wi-fi veteran who can not only provide them with sizes, but also help them mentor the rest of the young roster.
“I don’t know why the NBA is running away from veterans. I’m looking at guys like Dwight Howard. If you’re looking for a guy with rebounds, block shots, defense, you have a bigger body. He’s a savvy veteran.”
“He’s one of the greatest defenders of all time in that basketball rebound. Most teams don’t seem to want to get a veteran player. Call Dwight Howard.”
“There are people who coach these young boys and understand the importance of everything they do. I’m not saying they have to pay him $5 million. Don’t let him get away from the team because you have to pay him a little more (more than the younger players).”
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Jermaine O’Neal added that, similar to Jared Dudley’s role with the Lakers in 2020, the Howard veteran presence is absolutely worth it even for a limited number of minutes.
“Why? Are the Lakers able to become the Lakers and LeBron has the ball on a lower level? Can even Luka have a third party that can remove some of these two pressures?”
“Can you have someone else who can make these two lives easier? I don’t know how they’re going to do that with the cap issues they have. They don’t think it’s enough now.”
If they don’t move, they’ll be done with 7, 8, 9, or play-in. I’m talking about impact players. ”
Perhaps Howard was not considered due to his previous issues with LeBron James. Anyway, with his age and an imminent Hall of Fame, Howard is no longer an option for the Lakers.