Anthony Davis can actually use Howard’s services on and off the court.
What Howard can do for Davis off the court.
When the trade for Anthony Davis was completed, many compared the scenario to the Dwight Howard deal back in the 2012-13 season. Many took the comparisons out of context. But there are some similarities that really need to be looked at.
Sure there is the contract issue with the possibility of Anthony Davis leaving after this season (Sure. I’ve heard about the New York rumors! Not happening folks!) like Dwight Howard did, but there are other important similarities.
Anthony Davis really has no idea what he is getting himself into playing with a superstar like LeBron James and playing for one of the most iconic teams in sports. The pressure will be enormous. Sure, the excitement is palpable now. But let’s see how things are if the Lakers start out slowly at the beginning of the season. It might be tough for Davis to handle.
Dwight Howard can guide Anthony Davis from the 500 pitfalls he fell into years ago.
He recently gave Davis some advice via Arash Markazi of the Los Angeles Times.
"“I would tell him to just enjoy the moment and enjoy this season,” “So there were some positives. We just didn’t win that season, and that’s what happens when you play basketball. Things may look good, but injuries and other issues may happen and things might not work out, but I still had a good time in L.A.”"
Dwight is right about those injuries. Howard never recovered from the herniated disc surgery he had before joining the Lakers. Steve Nash, who was brought in to run Mike D’Antoni‘s offense, broke his leg in the second game of the season. Then Kobe Bryant tore his Achilles at the end of the season from being overworked.
What Howard can do for Davis on the court.
If you really think that Anthony Davis wants to play center for no more than spot duty, you haven’t been paying attention.
"I like playing the four. I’m not even going to sugar coat it." AD says. He turned to Frank Vogel and put his hand on his shoulder, smiling. "If it comes down to it, coach, and you need me to play the five, I’ll play the five."
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) July 13, 2019
It’s easy to say things in a business suit that is polite as opposed to the grind of an NBA season. Furthermore, it would not be smart to put AD’s body through an unnecessary grind when you don’t have to.
Dwight Howard can be the primary backup to JaVale McGee and play the minutes Tyson Chandler did when the Lakers were struggling early last year with rim protection when McGee sat.
Not convinced yet Lakers fans? Keep reading. Let’s move on.