With DeMarcus Cousins out, Lakers turn attention to Dwight Howard

The potential fearsome threesome of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins in Los Angeles is over before it started after Cousins tore his ACL in a workout game this past week. But the Lakers are already working on a contingency plan, including bringing in Dwight Howard, another All-Star center who has had his own injury issues lately.

The Lakers are reportedly expected to ask for permission to talk to Howard. Howard is currently under contract with the Memphis Grizzlies after Howard was traded there from the Washington Wizards in July. Memphis is expected to trade or waive the eight-time All-Star center at some point this off-season.

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Howard, 33, played in just nine games for the Wizards last year, but two years ago he played in all but one game for the Charlotte Hornets and averaged 16.6 points, 12.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.

The only healthy center on the Lakers' roster is JaVale McGee, so the need is strong to add another big man into the fold. Howard played for the Lakers in 2012-13. That didn't go well, as he clashed with Kobe Bryant though he still averaged a solid 17.1 points and 12.4 rebounds per game. The Lakers snuck in as the No. 8 see of the Western Conference playoffs before being swept by the Spurs in the opening round.

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For what it's worth, Howard is interested in a reunion as well. Howard has reportedly lost 25 pounds this off-season and is motivated for a strong 2019-20 campaign. 

Perhaps the hope of a fearsome threesome remains alive.

"I don't know what's going to happen, but I do love L.A.," Howard said. "Staples Center is going to be rocking this season. When I played there it was rocking every night."