Free agent profile: Josh Howard

This is the 26th post in a series focusing on this year’s free-agent class.

Player: Josh Howard

Former team: Utah Jazz

Type of free agent: Unrestricted

Positives: The Lakers don’t need to fret about Howard’s well-documented poor behavior when he was the Dallas Mavericks (2003-10). There, he admitted to smoking marijuana in the off-season, was arrested for street racing and later cited for speeding, and criticized the national anthem. But published accounts during Howard’s time with the Washington Wizards (2009-11) and Utah Jazz (2010-11) show he’s grown. That should go a long way into fitting in with the Lakers’ mature and veteran-laden locker room.

After averaging 8.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in 43 games last season, Howard sustained a left knee injury that was supposed to force him to miss most of the end of the season. But he returned in time for the playoffs, starting against San Antonio during a Western Conference first-round series. A full off-season should ensure a much healthier Howard, who could add additional wing defense with Metta World Peace. Considering the limited options via free agency, the Lakers could then slide Devin Ebanks over to shooting guard to ensure the small forward spot doesn’t get log-jammed.

Negatives: Howard has shot below 45% in the past four seasons. His declining athleticism and various injuries have made him a step slower. And the Lakers don’t need to add more small forwards to their team. World Peace looked in great shape after a recent workout. Antawn Jamison will split time playing the 4 and 3 positions. And Ebanks will likely return to the Lakers by accepting their qualifying offer worth a little over $1 million.

There’s also no guarantee Howard could ever fully recover from his knee injury. Neither could he restore the same effectiveness he once had with the Mavericks, where he averaged double-digit scoring in six of his seven seasons. Howard wouldn’t be expected to carry such a heavy load with the Lakers. But even if he proved his worth with Utah as a starter, that’s not going to translate necessarily to the Lakers.

Verdict: Yahoo! Sports reported in July that six teams, including the Lakers, are interested in Howard. But he’s not really worth the pursuit. Even if Ebanks slides over to shooting guard, Howard would simply take minutes away from better players. The best scenario involves the Lakers pursuing another shooting guard, while keeping the small forward spot the way it is currently constructed.

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