Lakers reportedly will sign Atlanta native, ex-Hawk Howard

The Los Angeles Lakers intend to sign center Dwight Howard after he completes a buyout with Memphis, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been completed. It would be an improbable return to the Lakers six years after Howard’s acrimonious departure.

The eight-time All-Star will be the ostensible replacement for DeMarcus Cousins, who tore a knee ligament after signing with the Lakers as a free agent. Cousins could be sidelined for the entire upcoming season, so Howard will team with JaVale McGee and Anthony Davis to play center.

Howard spent one season with the Lakers, who acquired him from Orlando in August 2012 and teamed him with Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. Although Howard played through injuries, averaged 17.1 points and led the NBA with 12.4 rebounds in his sole season in L.A., he clashed with Bryant, coach Mike D’Antoni and others before the season ended with a first-round playoff sweep. Howard then left as a free agent in July 2013, turning down a $118 million deal to join Houston for significantly less. He’s been booed in every trip back to Staples Center since then.

Howard’s departure coincided with the start of the worst six-year period in franchise history for the 16-time champion Lakers, who haven’t been back to the postseason since he left. Howard made the All-NBA second team for the Rockets but struggled with injuries and eventually left as a free agent in 2016. He was with six franchises in the six years after he left L.A. (including the Hawks in 2016-17).