Dwight Howard Reveals His Motive After Unveiling Deal With 2 Lakers Champs for Impending Asian Tournament

It seems as if Dwight Howard‘s recruitment drive is finally paying off. Just a few days back, Howard, who owns and plays for the Taiwan Mustangs in the Asian tournament, was trying to get Ja Morant and Chris Paul on his team. Now the former Lakers player has announced the addition of two new players. DeMarcus Cousins and Quinn Cook will be playing in the Asian Tournament in July. Although a big deal, it looks like Howard isn’t planning to stop anytime soon.

The former center shared the news in an Instagram post, while also revealing his ambitious motives. For some Howard’s motive could be too out of the box, and for some, they might just end up calling him over-ambitious. His ambition? Getting together the whole 2020 Lakers championship team for the Mustangs.

“Proud to announce we got our first commits @boogiecousins & @qcook323 to play in @theasiantournament and they all champions too I told yall we reuniting the 2020 lakers & going global ! This year we going all over Asia but like I said we trying to take this league everywhere & I got my guy @mu_reaaal scouting,” he captioned the post.

Now, before dismissing the idea, it is clear that Howard is already working on his plan; rather well maybe.

All three Howard, Cook, and Cousins were part of the 2020 NBA championship team. Although Cousins couldn’t play that season due to a torn ACL. Moreover, none of them is a stranger to playing on a foreign land.

Cook has been in several overseas teams in Russia, China, and Puerto Rico since he was last seen in the NBA in 2020-21. Cousins too, has been playing in Taiwan for the past year after his stint in the NBA was over. He, very recently, led his team Taiwan Beer Leopards to the championship this year while winning a Finals MVP. Howard on the other hand has been in Taiwan for 2 years now, first with Leopards and now Mustang.

The relationship between Taiwan and Howard is not something new to the fans. The league during the 2022-23 season made an exceptional offer to Howard of $1 million instead of $200K which was the limit then. Surely enough the generosity was rewarded back after Howard announced how he would be helping the people who suffered from the earthquake in Taiwan.

Now all there’s left is to see how the former Lakers trio perform in the tournament.

What did the 2020 LA Lakers championship team look like?

You might be surprised to know that only 2 players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, remain from the teams’ 2020 roster. Although we know where the other three of them are. Here’s what the rest of the roster is up to

J.R. Smith

Following his second championship win, and his departure from the Lakers, Smith has decided to retire from the NBA. Although a notable name during his time in the team, smith averaged 2.0 points in 10 games in the playoff appearances.

Alex Caruso

After his championship with the Lakers, Caruso became unrestricted free agent. The defensive genius, currently signed with the Chicago Bulls in a four-year $37 million deal. He was recently named the winner of the 2023-24 NBA Hustle Award and is on a hunt for second championship.

Kyle Kuzma

Kuzma had remained on the team after getting his ring, having averaged 8.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.5 assists in 6 games. Although he had to say goodbye to Hollywood in 2023 and has signed a 4 year $90 million deal with the Wizards.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Kentavious, known for his impeccable shooting, was a boon to the team during their championship run. Following the triumph, he went on to resign with the Lakers during the 2020-21 NBA season. Later, he joined the Wizards before pairing up with the Denver Nuggets where he got his second championship.

Jared Dudley

Although Dudley was not present on court much of the time, his veteran experience and presence with the team surely pushed the Lakers. Following the championship win, Dudley decided became a free agent and later joined the Dallas Mavericks as the assistant coach.

Danny Green

The three-pointer genius was the missing piece of the puzzle the team needed. His presence on the court and the timely 3-pointers helped Davis and Bron to be in their best form. Currently a free agent, Green, after the Lakers, had played with the Thunder, 76ers, and Cavaliers.

Rajon Rondo

Also known as ‘Playoff Rondo’, the current free agent was the third-best player on the team. After his championship run, Rondo decided to play in Hawks and Clippers before returning to Hollywood again. Later, he joined the Cavaliers and has since then not returned to the NBA.

With all of them split over in different directions, do you think Howard will be able to convince them all? Let us know in the comments below.

Before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese.