NBA Rumors: Lakers Hoping To Bring Back Howard, Morris But Chances Not Looking Good

The Los Angeles Lakers will be busy in the coming weeks trying to come up with another group to boost their NBA title-retention campaign. Thought Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka’s focus will be Anthony Davis, it remains that they also need to add more big men to the mix.

Two names come to mind – Dwight Howard and Markieff Morris. Though both played behind Davis the majority of the season, both made a good account of themselves in the time they were used by head coach Frank Vogel. Both are now unrestricted free agents.

According to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers are interested in bringing back both Howard and Morris. However, that would come at a price. Both players settled for minimum deals and are expected to seek higher pay.

Howard settled for a $2.6 million deal with the Lakers in what most brands as his redeem run. Morris had a lower pact with $1.7 million for the season. Considering they did their part to help the Lakers win the 2020 NBA title, it will be interesting how much the purple and gold can offer to both players.

Morris averaged 5.3 points and 3.2 rebounds in 14 games for the Lakers. He spent the majority of the season with the Detroit Piston before getting traded to Los Angeles. With Detroit, he held averages of 11 points 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

Howard hardly had good numbers as well. He averaged 7.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in roughly 18.9 minutes of action. But both did their job well on the defensive side and controlling the boards.

Both are expected to consider returning to the Lakers and win another title. But like in the case of Howard, he hopes to get better compensation this time around.

“Hopefully, this year, they give me a contract; that’s the biggest thing. I don’t want to play for free anymore. This year, it was like, ‘OK, I’ll do whatever.’ But I think I’ve earned… a contract,” Howard said to Alex Kennedy of BasketballNews.com.

Howard and Morris will have options, likely better than what they got last year. So the question now is will the Lakers offer them something equal or better aside from another potential NBA title?