Free Agency has kicked off and the Los Angeles Lakers need to fill out roster spots after the Russell Westbrook trade. The team will be signing three players that have played with the team in the past. Forward Trevor Ariza, guard Wayne Ellington, and center Dwight Howard will all be signing one-year deals to play alongside Lebron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook. These are all quality signings to replaces players that were traded away and Alex Caruso who signed with the Chicago Bulls.
Trevor Ariza (3-and-D), Wayne Ellington (elite 3-point shooter) and Dwight Howard (rim protector & rebounder) fill in nicely alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook and Marc Gasol. Solid start for the Lakers in free agency.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) August 2, 2021
The numbers are not out for the three one-year deals, but they are expected to be low cost due to the Lakers’ limited amount of cap space. Trevor Ariza and Dwight Howard have been a part of the Lakers’ championship teams and will help bring back that winning mentality amongst the team’s role players. These are quality free agent signings for a team looking to add a record 18th NBA Championship.
Are you ready for Dwight Howard with the Lakers Part 3? pic.twitter.com/dMkRIOWxJd
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 2, 2021
The three new Lakers each address a need for the team that was lacking last year and fit in well with the team’s three superstars. Lebron James and Russell Westbrook aren’t getting any younger and the window to compete for championships is getting smaller each year. The Western Conference is healthy this year and the fight for an NBA Finals appearance will be brutal. Ariza, Ellington, and Howard will fight alongside the Lakers Big Three to try and win another one for the historic franchise.
