Lakers Reach Buyout Agreement To Sign Dwight Howard, Social Media Reacts

August 24, 2019 by Gregory Molette in Sports with 0 Comments

Dwight Howard

Lakers Reach Buyout Agreement To Sign Dwight Howard, Social Media Reacts

The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly reached a buyout agreement with the Memphis Grizzlies signing former Lakers center, Dwight Howard to a non-guaranteed contract.

On Friday, Howard’s agent, Charles Briscoe told NBA insider, Shams Charania the 8-time NBA All Star would complete a buyout with the Grizzlies and will sign with the Lakers once he clears waivers.

The signing of Howard follows the Lakers loosing a key part of their back court after former Warriors, DeMarcus Cousins tore his ACL. As previously reported, nearly two weeks ago Cousins, who recently signed a one-year deal with the Lakers, was working out in Las Vegas “bumping knees” with another player during a practice scrimmage. Cousins was expected to be the teams starting center this season.

Video of DeMarcus Cousins’ ACL injury

(? @TMZ_Sports ) pic.twitter.com/MquFvtLrib

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) August 15, 2019

Howard, who first joined the team nearly 7 years exact in 2012, playing for the Lakers for one season. After a disappointing season going 45–37, the Lakers were swept out of the first round of the NBA playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs.

Dwight Howard

During his tenor, Howard and retired Lakers superstar, Kobe Bryant reportedly bumped heads and the following season, Kobe was seen chewing out Howard during a heated exchange after a foul. Kobe says,

“Try me. Try me.”

After being separated to their opposing sides of the floor, Kobe continues trash talking Howard. He calls Howard,

”Soft.”

Recently, Howard spoke about his relationship with Kobe and opened up about the time the Lakers legend called him “soft.”

“I kinda hated him for saying that because I looked at it the wrong way. I think he was more so talking about my mentality…not how I am on the court. And I didn’t realize that because all the noise surrounding him saying I was soft. And I hated him. I hated him for that moment.”

He added,

“I think at that time I was ignorant to the level that he was at. So I appreciate you, Kobe. Thank you for saying I was soft. I didn’t realize what you meant until now.”

The Lakers will be Howard’s fifth team since he signed as a free agent in 2016. He has played with Atlanta, Charlotte and Washington and the former All Star was waived after trades to Brooklyn and Memphis without ever wearing a uniform.

Check out some hilarious social media reactions to the Lakers bringing back Howard: