One former Lakers star believes the franchise made a big mistake not bringing back a 2020 champion to their team.
The Los Angeles Lakers need to make some big changes this offseason. It was a strong season for them despite the turbulence.
The Lakers acquired Luka Doncic in one of the most surprising trades in NBA history. And after a shaky start, the Lakers would hit the 50-win mark for the first time since their 2020 NBA championship win.
But the trade stripped them of all their size, something that was exposed in their first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Well, this problem could have been solved if they had brought back a key piece of their 2020 NBA championship roster earlier in the season.
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Jermaine O’Neal says Lakers should have signed Dwight Howard
Jermaine O’Neal was a guest on the Night Cap show. When discussing the Los Angeles Lakers, he believes they should have re-signed Dwight Howard.
O’Neal explained that Howard is a wily veteran who could not only provide size for them, but also help mentor the rest of their young roster.
“I don’t know why the NBA is getting away from the veterans. I look at a guy like Dwight Howard. If you’re looking for a guy to get rebounds, block shots, and defend. Bigger body. And he’s a savvy veteran.”
“He’s one of the best defenders of all time at rebounding that basketball. Most teams don’t seem to want to go and get veteran players. Just call Dwight Howard.”
“Have someone mentoring these young boys, understanding the importance of everything they do. I’m not saying they have to pay him $5m, just don’t keep him off the team because you gotta pay him a little bit more [than a younger player].”
O’Neal believes Dwight would help LeBron and Doncic
Jermaine O’Neal added that Howard’s veteran presence can absolutely be of value even if he plays limited minutes, similar to Jared Dudley’s role on the 2020 Lakers.
“Why not? Can the Lakers be the Lakers with LeBron having the ball in his hands at a lesser level? Even with Luka, can you have a third person that can take some of the pressure off those two?”
“Can you have somebody else who can make life easier for those two? I’m not sure how they do it with the cap issues that they have. I don’t think they have enough right now.”
They are going to be 7th, 8th, 9th, or in the Play-In, if they don’t make a move. I’m talking about an impact player.”