NBA News Roundup, Monday, August 19th: Dwight Howard edges closer to joining the Los Angeles Lakers, Victor Oladipo addresses Indiana exits and more

Opening night of the 2019-20 NBA season is still two months away, although NBA fans have plenty to be excited about heading into the new campaign. The Golden State Warriors' recent dominance seems to have finally come to an end following the loss of essential players such as Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston, while the Los Angeles Lakers and L.A. Clippers have put together an impressive recruitment drive as they look to emerge in a crowded Western Conference.

Meanwhile, the East continues to improve, and NBA fans will be eager to see if Jimmy Butler can push the Miami Heat back to relevance following the retirement of Dwyane Wade. Teams also have the opportunity to make further trades and recruit the remaining free agents ahead of the new season, and plenty could happen in the coming weeks. So, with much going on around the league, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for August 19th.

#1 Dwight Howard to speak with the Los Angeles Lakers

Dwight Howard spent the 2012-13 season with the Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in search of a new center after losing DeMarcus Cousins to a serious knee injury, and Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that the LA franchise is set to meet their former player, Dwight Howard.

The Grizzlies are granting the Los Angeles Lakers permission to speak with Dwight Howard, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 18, 2019

Expand Tweet

Howard spent the 18-19 season with the Washington Wizards but was restricted to just nine outings due to a series of recurring injuries. The former All-Star joined the Lakers back in 2012 but left just a season later after getting frustrated with his role. Over 75 games with the team, Howard averaged 17.1 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks.

#2 Aaron Gordon believes the Orlando Magic will enjoy a strong season

Aaron Gordon is viewed as an important part of Orlando's future

Entering last season, the Orlando Magic had failed to qualify for the playoffs since the departure of Dwight Howard back in 2012. However, after another inconsistent start to the season, the Magic put together a stunning run after the All-Star break, eventually finishing 7th in the standings.

Aaron Gordon was once again among the Magic's best performers and the 23-year-old believes his team is in a strong position as they gear up for the new season:

I know everybody on the team is excited to get started and having the same coach again is going to be huge. Knowing that we have somebody that we can rely on and trust, that should lead us to another great year.

Gordon has spent his entire career with the Magic and averaged 16.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game last season.

#3 Victor Oladipo 'proud' of his teammates who left the Pacers

Victor Oladipo has enjoyed a career resurgence with the Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers lost plenty of talent over the off-season as Thaddeus Young, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Cory Joseph all left to sign bigger deals with rival teams. However, despite being disappointed at losing a number of his co-stars, Victor Oladipo told the Indy Star that he was 'proud' of his former teammates:

It’s bigger than just basketball with those guys. It’s about building relationships. When you’re with guys for two long years you build relationships and you build friendships that will last forever... They’re all going off and doing their own thing, big things, special things and I’m proud of them.

Oladipo himself is expected to miss the rest of 2019 due to injury. However, the two-time All-Star is expected to return shortly after the turn of the year, and his presence could be key as the Pacers look to reach the postseason.