Here's a name out of the past: The Los Angeles Lakers will host veteran big Kenneth Faried for a workout later this week, according to The Athletic's Jovan Buha.
Faried's last NBA appearance came in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals in April of 2019, as a member of the Houston Rockets. Faried split time between the Brooklyn Nets and the Rockets during the 2018-19 season. He averaged 10.4 points and 6.4 rebounds in 37 games.
Prior to that campaign, Faried spent the first seven seasons of his NBA career with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 11.4 points and 8.4 rebounds on 54.3% shooting. The Manimal was at times a valuable and energizing sparkplug for Denver early in his career, though his effectiveness faded over the years. Many will wonder what the Lakers see in him, but the awareness that he has been a productive NBA player in the past is enough to at least warrant further examination. That in itself never hurts.
In 2019-20, Faried appeared in seven games for Zhejiang Lions. He's been a free agent ever since, and he is obviously drawing consideration from the Lakers.
Faried suited up for three games for the Portland Trail Blazers summer league team this past August, averaging 5.7 points and 8.3 rebounds on 39% shooting in 18.6 minutes per game.
He will turn 32 years old in November, something the Lakers are well aware of.
The Lakers have two remaining roster spots, though they will reportedly keep at least one open for a midseason buyout signing (both for flexibility and luxury tax reasons). Los Angeles could use another big after the departure of Marc Gasol, though Kenneth Faried, a 6'8 non-shooter, doesn't space the floor. The organization has reunited with Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard, two members of the 2020 championship roster which provide the role-player contributions the team needed. Faried could be viewed as a new piece to the puzzle.
Faried's agent, Bill Duffy, also represents Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony.
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