NBA News Roundup, Saturday, Oct 26: Dwight Howard addresses his tough start to the season, Jamal Crawford to the Sixers and more

The opening week of the 2019-20 NBA season is now well underway, and there are plenty of exciting games that will be played throughout the weekend. Later tonight, the impressive LA Clippers will be looking for a third straight win against the Phoenix Suns, while the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors will also be in action tomorrow.

In addition to the action on the court, a number of playoff contenders around the league will be looking to make additions over the next few weeks. So, with plenty going on, here is all the latest NBA news and rumors you need to know for October 26th.

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#1 Dwight Howard confident that he can make an impact with the Lakers despite a slow start

Dwight Howard has struggled during his first two appearances with the Los Angeles Lakers

After DeMarcus Cousins suffered a potentially season-ending injury over the offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers opted to bring back Dwight Howard. Howard has featured from the bench during the Lakers' first two games of the season, averaging just 2.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in 19 minutes per game. Nevertheless, the 33-year-old told The Athletic that he is confident that he can make an impact despite a slow start to the season:

"We’re a team from top to bottom. We have a lot of great pieces. I just want to make sure I do my job the best that I can do it, and I know if I do that, I’ll put my team in a great position - or our team in a great position to win."

Howard previously spent the 2012-13 season with the Lakers, although the then All-Star opted to leave for the Houston Rockets after just one season. While Howard has yet to make good on his return, JaVale McGee has also had a poor start to the season, and the former Orlando Magic man could still force himself into Frank Vogel's starting lineup.

#2 Cedi Osman signs contract-extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers

Cedi Osman has signed a new four-year deal with the Cavs

Earlier this week it was widely reported that Cedi Osman was on the verge of agreeing on a new long-term contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the organization has now confirmed that the 24-year-old will remain with the team for the foreseeable future. In regards to Osman's extension, General Manager Koby Altman expressed his excitement to have locked the Turkish star down for the long-term:

"Cedi epitomizes everything it means to be a Cavalier and we’re excited to sign him to this extension. His work ethic and commitment to this organization and community are qualities we admire in a player... We look forward to seeing his continued growth and development."

Osman played 76 times with the Cavaliers last season, averaging 13.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 32.2 minutes per contest. According to Cleveland.com, his contract is worth $30.8 million over four seasons, and he will play a key role alongside another young talent such as Collin Sexton.

#3 Philadelphia 76ers linked with Jamal Crawford

Jamal Crawford is among the NBA's most notable available free agents

The Philadelphia 76ers possess one of the NBA's best starting lineups, although Brett Brown's team currently lacks the depth that the likes of the LA Clippers can field. Due to this, the Sixers are expected to make further additions in the months ahead, and Keith Pompey of Philadelphia Inquirer believes that Jamal Crawford could be an ideal target:

(To win a title) a squad must have an impact player off the bench. The Sixers don’t have one such player. To acquire Crawford, the Sixers would have to waive or trade a player to make room on the roster. But having Crawford or someone of his ability is needed.

Despite quickly nearing his 40th birthday, Crawford performed well with the Suns last season, averaging 7.9 points and 3.6 assists in just 18.9 minutes per contest. Crawford's enduring quality was also on show as he scored 51 points against the Dallas Mavericks back in April.