Dwight Howard was a vital gamer on the Lakers’ championship team in 2019-20.
Lakers took the initial step towards replenishing their depleted roster following the blockbuster Russell Westbrook offer, agreeing to contracts with professionals Dwight Howard, Trevor Ariza as well as Wayne Ellington in the opening hrs of free company on Monday.
All 3 have bet the Lakers previously, with Howard (2020) and also Ariza (2009) assisting them enhance their championship haul as well as Ellington serving for a single season in 2014-15.
This will in fact be Howard’s third stint in purple and also gold, following his runs in 2012-13 as well as 2019-20. He acted as a crucial book for the Lakers throughout their latest champion in support of superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Free representative Dwight Howard is returning to the Lakers, his representative Qais Haider tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn)
With the Lakers agreeing to send Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as well as Montrezll Harrell to Washington in exchange for Westbrook, James as well as Davis had actually been the lone holdovers from that title group until Howard’s decision to return following an only period in Philadelphia.
Ariza, 36, balanced 9.4 factors and 4.8 rebounds points in 30 appearances with Miami last season, his 10th group in 17 NBA campaigns.
Freelance F Trevor Ariza has actually consented to a 1 year handle the Los Angeles Lakers, his representatives Aaron Mintz, Steven Heumann and Erika Ruiz of inform ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn)
Ellington, 33, appreciated one of the better years of his journeyman occupation last season in Detroit, shooting 42.2% on 3-pointers while balancing 9.6 factors per video game.
Wayne Ellington Jr. shot 42.2 percent from three last season in Detroit as well as is a career 38.2 percent shooter from beyond the arc. Lakers desperately require shooting.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes)
In addition to James, Davis, Marc Gasol and also the inbound Westbrook, Monday’s enhancements will provide the Lakers 7 players under contract for following period. They likewise have a group alternative on deep get Alfonzo McKinnie.