LeBron James’ personality will work out better for Dwight Howard than Kobe Bryant.
Let’s get this out-of-the-way early. This is not a G.O.A.T. conversation between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Kobe Bryant is the better player. With that statement out-of-the-way, Let’s all get back to our scheduled article.
We all know that Kobe Bryant had that killer mentality to win at all costs. The only other player that was as maniacal over winning championships was Michael Jordan. Dwight Howard really did not understand the responsibilities and pressure of playing at a high level to please Bryant.
Kobe Bryant wanted execution in practice, games, film study everything. Improving his game was everything to him and he expected the same from Howard.
He didn’t get it. Whether it was injuries or lack of work ethic, Dwight Howard’s game never went to the next level. Kobe Bryant may have called him soft, but when “The Captain”, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar talks, people listen.
He basically foretold Howard’s downturn as soon as he left for Houston.
"Dwight Howard is a perfect example of the fact that “potential has a shelf life.” Laker fans should be patient and allow Mitch & company to prepare themselves to do some serious work in the free agent market."
Then he went on First Take and eloquently stated that Dwight Howard’s game needs work.
Now you ask, what can LeBron James do with Dwight Howard?
It’s really simple. LeBron James does an outstanding job of making people comfortable by way of being light-hearted and not as serious as Kobe Bryant. Instead of seeing Kobe Bryant look at him like 5-day old sour milk, LeBron James will be much more encouraging.
Plus, Dwight Howard’s role with this team will change dramatically this time around. Dwight Howard was supposed to be the face of the franchise back in 2012-13. His stints in Orlando and L.A. shows that he can’t handle that type of responsibility.
On offense, put him in pick and roll situations and have him look for the lob over the top. On defense, have him rim protect and rebound. He knows this is his last chance in the NBA and he will be well-behaved if the Los Angeles Lakers do this.