Dwight Howard
Photo: Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY Sports

Seven players on the roster of the defending NBA champions the Los Angeles Lakers are becoming free agents this offseason as their contracts expire. Several players, most notably Anthony Davis, Rajon Rondo and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have options for the 2020-2021.

While Davis and Caldwell-Pope are expected to re-sign with the Lakers after declining their player options, Rondo will most likely leave Los Angeles. Especially with the acquisition of Dennis Schroder.

Among the players whose contracts have expired are Dwight Howard and Markieff Morris. According to Broderick Turner of Los Angeles Times, the Lakers are interested in retaining both of them after they performed well during the playoffs.

Howard averaged 5.8 points, 4.6 rebounds per game in 18 playoffs games for the eventual champions. Meanwhile, Morris averaged 5.9 points, three rebounds and one assist per game in 21 playoff appearances.