'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Back in July, the Los Angeles Lakers signed DeMarcus Cousins to a one-year $3.5 million contract. The four-time All-Star appeared destined to become one of the biggest steals of the summer, however, multiple reports have suggested that Cousins could now miss the entire 2019-20 season after suffering a torn ACL during practice.
The injury is yet another cruel blow to the 29-year-old, who missed more than 12 months after tearing his Achilles in January 2018 and was subsequently ruled out of most of the 2019 postseason due to a torn quad. Cousins' injury also points out depth issues of the Lakers, who now only have JaVale McGee and Anthony Davis to call upon at the five.
Additionally, with Davis likely to spend more time at the four than five, it appears that the Lakers will explore signing a new big in the coming weeks. So, here are three centers that Los Angeles could target following Cousins' devastating injury.
#3 Marcin Gortat
Marcin Gortat has failed to adapt his game to the modern NBA, although the Polish center remains a reliable performer who adds steel at both ends of the court. The 35-year-old has not played since being released by the Clippers back in February, but was a regular starter during his 43-game spell with the team, averaging 5 0 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest.
The veteran would provide the Lakers with someone that could step into the starting line-up when required, while mostly contributing a solid 10 minutes from the reserve unit. Up until this point, Gortat has attracted little interest in free agency, and the Lakers should have a free run at convincing him to return to Staples Center.
#2 Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah was named to the All-NBA First Team back in 2014, while also taking home the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. However, Noah has struggled with injuries over the subsequent five seasons, playing more than 50-regular season games on only one occasion.
Just like Gortat, Noah has failed to develop any kind of perimeter shot, although the 34-year-old remains an excellent defender. His stint with the Memphis Grizzlies last season was also mostly solid as he averaged 7.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and, 2.1 assists in 16.5 minutes per game.
McGee has always struggled when tasked with an increased workload, and Noah's addition would provide the Lakers with an extra body that could help defend the hoop while the former Golden State man sits. Ultimately, Noah is a solid option, although the Lakers may need to act quickly due to reported interest from rival teams.
#1 Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard joined the Los Angeles Lakers back in 2012, and despite being billed as the future face of the franchise, the then All-Star opted to leave for Houston just 12 months later. However, since leaving the Lakers, Howard's career has been in freefall, and the Georgia native was recently traded by the Washington Wizards after making just nine appearances for the team.
Howard now finds himself in Memphis, however, the franchise is believed to be keen to offload the 33-year-old before the new season begins. Howard himself has expressed an interest in returning to Los Angeles, and despite all his faults, the veteran remains the man that could make the biggest impact for the Lakers.
When last fully fit, Howard managed 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds per game for the Hornets and he reminded everyone of his talents with a 30–30 game against the Nets. At this point in his career, Howard has stated his intentions to put behind his past mistakes, and Los Angeles would be the perfect platform for him to prove his doubters wrong.
