Have a sit-down meeting and hand him a one-year NON GUARANTEED contract.
Do you think you would hand Dwight Howard a guaranteed contract with his history? This is how the Los Angeles Lakers should really handle this situation. It’s not like Lake Show Life hasn’t done this before.
First, the Lakers would bring Dwight Howard and his representatives in for a meeting. Then listen to what Howard says about what he can bring to the Lakers. He will sound very polite and he will be charming.
Then say that you don’t believe him. Then have him explain why he’s out of the NBA and why he changes teams like LeBron James changes sneakers.
Then he’ll ask for a chance to prove himself. Then the Lakers hand him a one-year contract at the veteran’s minimum and tell him it’s not guaranteed. Make it clear that he has to work his way up the ladder from the bottom. He has to win over his coaches, teammates and especially the fans.
Now, why do we do this you ask?
Well, let’s say that this does not work out. The Lakers can drop him at any time. Remember the contract can be voided. The Lakers have all the power. Plus he can be used as a trade chip around December 15th when more options open up around the league.
The tactic will motivate Dwight Howard into playing any role that is required. Like it or not, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and company can get some production out of him for the 10-15 minutes that Howard is on the floor.
If LeBron James can command enough attention to make Ivica Zubac a serviceable player, what do you think he could do for Howard? Plus the Lakers don’t have to pay $28 million dollars over the next four years.
Los Angeles Lakers fans have a major bone to pick with Dwight Howard. Research for this piece shows that they have a point. But if the franchise and the fan base are serious about finding a replacement for DeMarcus Cousins.
Dwight Howard is it, whether you like him or not.