Lakers invite Dwight Howard, Trevor Ariza to return
FILE — Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first half against the Miami Heat in Game Three of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena on October 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP
An ongoing overhaul of the Los Angeles Lakers will reportedly turn up a few old friends when free agency kicks off on Friday.
Center Dwight Howard and swingman Trevor Ariza agreed to terms with the Lakers, according to multiple reports Monday, and shooting guard Wayne Ellington also is joining LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Ellington will sign a one-year deal with the team, per several reports Monday, and the Lakers can officially introduce their new point guard, Russell Westbrook on the same day (August 6) as the league year begins.
Howard, an eight-time All-Star who turns 36 in December, would embark on a third stint with the Lakers. He was on the 2019 NBA title team and is close friends with James. He came off the bench for the Philadelphia 76ers last season, averaging 7.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game in his 17th season.
Ariza was with the Lakers in 2009 when the team won the title. The 36-year-old has played for six other teams since 2018 and was a member of the Miami Heat last season, playing 30 games and averaging 9.4 points per game.
Ellington averaged 9.6 points per game with the Detroit Pistons last season.
Ellington, 33, entered the NBA in 2009 and is a career 38.2 percent shooter from 3-point range.
