Lakers To Work Out Player Out Of NBA 2 Years Following Racist Slur

The Los Angeles Lakers are in dire need of shooting and size, and they hope that two big men they're bringing in for free-agent workouts on Friday can help.

Free agent center Meyers Leonard will work out for the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 12, 2023

Meyers Leonard will join DeMarcus Cousins working out for Lakers brass on Friday. He hasn't played in the NBA in two years, and was last left in disgrace, suspended by the NBA after making an antisemitic slur during a video game live stream. He has since made amends by working with Jewish groups and community leaders. 

The 7-footer did have a 42.9% mark shooting from long-distance in the last four seasons of his nine-year career before his ouster. He has a 39% lifetime mark from three, with a career average of 5.6 PPG. 

As noted by Shams Charania, Leonard had season-ending shoulder and ankle surgeries in January of 2021. And "based on issues that stemmed from the ankle surgery", he's been sidelined since then. Well, let's agree that was only part of the reason, Shams.

Former 4-time All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins will also show his wares for the Lakers, hoping to resume his NBA career once again. Boogie, like Leonard, has been in trouble for things he's said while in the NBA, but not from a racist slant. Just generally berating officials and media. But he's still beloved by fans, and insists he's not a monster, and just wants another chance.

Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports