The NBA offseason really never sleeps.
Following DeMarcus Cousins' torn ACL, the Lakers now are in search of another big man as the new season approaches.
The Lakers currently have Anthony Davis and JaVale McGee on the roster, but Rob Pelinka, Frank Vogel and Co. reportedly will work out former Warrior Marreese Speights, Dwight Howard and Joakim Noah this week, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday. Marcin Gortat reportedly also is under consideration.
Sources: Lakers planning individual workouts to evaluate centers Joakim Noah, Dwight Howard and Mo Speights this week in Los Angeles. Another consideration currently overseas: Marcin Gortat. Lakers want a window into physical condition and mindset of a potential addition.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 20, 2019
Not a lot of enticing options in that bunch.
Sports
Speights, who last played in the NBA in 2018, played for the Guangzhou Loong Lions in China last year. During the 2017-18 NBA season -- his last in the league -- Speights averaged 7.7 points per game on 36.9 percent shooting for the Orlando Magic.
Howard currently is under contract with the Grizzles, but they would be more than happy to buy him out should the Lakers be interested in a reunion. The 33-year-old played in just nine games last season for the Washington Wizards due to a gluteal injury. In his last healthy season, Howard averaged 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds for the Charlotte Hornets during the 2017-18 campaign.
Noah, a known LeBron James antagonist, had his moments last year for the Grizzlies, averaging 7.1 points in 42 games for Memphis.
Of course, none of these options will fill the void left by Cousins' devastating injury. All three are nothing more than end-of-the-bench role players and likely only would play a small role in the Lakers' quest to unseat the Warriors from atop the Western Conference.
[RELATED: Steph gets no love from NBA rookie class]
With their big depth now a question mark, Vogel and the Lakers might have to talk Davis into playing center (something he doesn't want to do) and have James play the four. This, coincidentally, likely is their best lineup construction, with Kyle Kuzma at the three, Danny Green at the two and (insert someone here) at point guard.
It's unclear if Speights still has the bucket-getting ability he had during his run with the Warriors. If he does then he might be the Lakers' best option. During his three seasons in the Bay, Speights was a solid bench scorer who became a fan favorite. He averaged 10.4 points per game on 49.2 percent shooting while playing a vital role in helping the Dubs capture the 2015 NBA title, the first of their dynastic run.
And who could forget Mo Buckets dropping 32 points on the 76ers in 2014 and being serenaded with "MVP" chants from the Oracle Arena crowd? A true Warriors legend.
Of course, a reunion with a now "humbled" Howard would be great for the possible, albeit unlikely redemption story.
