The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly looking into the possibility of bringing in former center Andrew Bynum, if they are unable to re-sign free-agent center Dwight Howard, a league insider reported on Tuesday.
With the Lakers having a 50-50 chance of getting Howard's services next season, general manager Mitch Kupchak might pull off a gamble in signing the player they used as a trade chip to land Howard last summer.
Bynum did not play a single game for the Philadelphia 76ers last season due to knee problems, but the 7-foot, 285-pound center had a breakout year in his final season with the Lakers, averaging 18.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks to earn his first All-Star selection during the 2011-2012 season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks have also expressed their interest in signing Bynum to a max deal
Howard averaged 17.1 points and 12.4 rebounds with the Lakers during the 2012-2013 season, but the All-Star bigman expressed his discontent about the system being employed by head coach Mike D'Antoni's and the lack of appreciation from the Lakers fans.
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year has already met with the Houston Rockets, which is rumored as his top destination next season.
Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly willing to trade Andrew Bogut, Klay Thompson or Harrison Barnes and draft picks to the Lakers in exchange for the double-double machine.
Howard is scheduled to make his decision next week.
The Lakers report that they would be interested in Andrew Bynum in case they cannot keep Dwight Howard. - Pav https://t.co/sO4YilKXrE
— NBA Buzz (@NBABuzzFB) July 3, 2013
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