In wake of DeMarcus Cousins suffering a torn ACL in his right knee, the Los Angeles Lakers are planning individual workouts with Joakim Noah, Dwight Howard and Mo Speights to get a "window into physical condition and mindset of a potential addition," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
The Lakers are also considering Marcin Gortat, Wojnarowski added.
Sources: Lakers planning individual workouts to evaluate centers Joakim Noah, Dwight Howard and Mo Speights this week in Los Angeles. Another consideration currently overseas: Marcin Gortat. Lakers want a window into physical condition and mindset of a potential addition.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 20, 2019
Whereas Noah, Speights and Gortat are all unrestricted free agents, Howard is currently under contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. However, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the franchise has granted the Lakers permission to speak with the eight-time All-Star, and Wojnarowski tweeted on Tuesday that they'd "gladly work on a buyout with him."
Each player would each bring something different to the table for the Lakers. Howard was the most dominant defender in the league in his prime, Noah has long been one of the best passers at his position, Speights can stretch the floor out to the 3-point line and Gortat is both a solid rebounder and pick-and-roll finisher.
Other options for the Lakers in free agency include Amir Johnson, Salah Mejri and Zaza Pachulia.
