We’ve got preseason action later tonight, with the Lakers set to play their fourth preseason game. It should be an interesting matchup, especially with LeBron James and Anthony Davis likely to see action in the first half. The second half will showcase some of our young talent, including Quincy Alibari, who will aim to build on their strong performance during the fourth quarter against Milwaukee.
Dwight Howard and Lakers Drama
Before diving into the game, let’s talk about two players frequently linked to the Lakers. First up is former Laker Dwight Howard, who seems unwilling to let his NBA career fade away. Recently, he brought up the 2020 Lakers championship team and expressed his desire to make an NBA comeback.
In a revealing conversation with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, Howard discussed the miscommunication during free agency that followed their championship run. He expressed disappointment about not returning to the Lakers, claiming he had been misinformed about contract offers. According to Howard, he was told by his agent that the Lakers had rescinded an offer, while Buss clarified that an offer had indeed been made.
Howard tweeted his shock upon discovering the Lakers’ interest, stating, “I was so shocked to hear the Lakers had an offer for me, but my so-called agent told me lies.” This agent, who Howard claims cost him millions, is no longer representing him.
However, it’s essential to remember that Howard’s last impactful season was in 2021, and he’s now approaching 39 years old. While many fans may hold out hope for a return, it seems unlikely that he could replicate his 2020 form. The Lakers currently have a full roster, with all 15 contracts guaranteed, making it nearly impossible to bring him back without significant changes.
Zach LaVine Trade Speculation
Shifting gears to Zach LaVine, fans have been buzzing about him following an impressive preseason showing where he scored 28 points with near-perfect efficiency. While there aren’t direct rumors linking him to the Lakers, the discussion surrounding a potential trade has resurfaced.
LaVine had a tough previous season, averaging only 19.5 points per game due to injuries. However, at just 29 years old, he still has the potential to be an All-Star. That said, his injury history raises red flags for any team considering a trade. For the Lakers, acquiring LaVine would require combining multiple assets—likely involving D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and others—which could deplete their roster depth.
If Chicago were to trade LaVine, they would need to include additional picks to make the deal worthwhile for the Lakers. Given his injury concerns and hefty contract, it may not make sense for the Lakers to pursue this option. Building a big three around LeBron, Davis, and LaVine could be appealing offensively, but it may compromise the team’s defensive capabilities and overall depth.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Lakers have intriguing preseason action ahead, the discussions surrounding Dwight Howard and Zach LaVine illustrate the complexities of roster management and player acquisitions in today’s NBA landscape. What do you think about the potential for a LaVine trade or the ongoing Dwight Howard saga? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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