NBA Free Agency: Los Angeles Lakers Fire Up off-Season, Sign Dwight Howard, Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington
After a blockbuster trade that landed Russell Westbrook in the city of angels, the Los Angeles Lakers shocked the entire NBA again as they continue building their almost formidable roster for the upcoming season.
According to ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to terms with three former players on Monday, August 2. Players Dwight Howard, Trevor Ariza, and Wayne Ellington would be wearing the purple and gold once again, as the franchise is still looking to refill its roster after all the players it sent out for the Russell Westbrook blockbuster deal.
Based on DraftKings Nation, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Trevor Ariza had returned to the Los Angeles Lakers. The former Lakers forward signed a one-year deal as the team was still on the move, building out the roster around LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the recently acquired California native Russell Westbrook.
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NBA Free Agency Gems
The 36-year-old NBA veteran, Trevor Ariza, was a member of the LA Lakers' title team from 2008-09 over the Orlando Magic. However, he was not brought back as the team opted to add Ron Artest instead the following season in their third spot.
Yahoo's Chris Haynes reported that the purple and gold squad was also adding sharpshooter Wayne Ellington on a one-year deal.
Wayne Ellington previously played for the Lakers in the 2014-15 NBA season. In his career, Ellington shot 38.2 percent in the three-point area. The team targeted the former Lakers guard as the LA's new superstar trio needed shooters who could also be floor spacers.
Furthermore, before NBA free agency even started, there were already reports that Dwight Howard might be set to join the Lakers for the third time in his career.
But rumors and social media signals were no longer necessary, as multiple reports confirmed that Dwight Howard was set to come back and return home to the team he won the 2020 championship with after just one season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, free-agent center Dwight Howard has agreed to return to the Los Angeles Lakers. The news was confirmed by his agent Qais Haider.
The return of Dwight Howard for the Lakers would be huge, especially for a team that missed him last season. Despite losing some of his athleticism, Howard - like many of the team's veteran targets in free agency demonstrated that he could still be a positive presence with his defensive instincts, physicality, and ruthless screen-setting.
Howard's addition would also give Los Angeles the sort of aerial spacing they missed in the wake of his and JaVale McGee's departures last offseason.
Los Angeles Lakers continue to explore trade options for better talent but will likely be limited to peripheral deals as James, Davis, and Westbrook cut most of the salary cap.
The Lakers currently hope to match any deal pitched to Talen Horton-Tucker to sign him in the restricted free agency.
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Written by: Jess Smith
WATCH: BREAKING: Los Angeles Lakers Signing Dwight Howard, Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington In NBA Free Agency - From Los Angeles Lakers Report