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Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking down the battle at center between Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee

By Maurice Moton

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 4: JaVale McGee (7) of the Los Angeles Lakers goes for the dunk during a game against the Golden State Warriors on April 4, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 4: JaVale McGee (7) of the Los Angeles Lakers goes for the dunk during a game against the Golden State Warriors on April 4, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers officially signed Dwight Howard Monday. Will he start at center or take a backseat to JaVale McGee?

Dwight Howard will wear purple and gold for the Los Angeles Lakers again. He suited up for the club during the 2012-13 season but clashed with franchise icon Kobe Bryant and moved on to the Houston Rockets. Now, at the tail end of his career, the 33-year-old returns to the Staples Center for the home team.

The Lakers needed help in the frontcourt after DeMarcus Cousins tore his ACL. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Howard agreed to a non-guaranteed deal:

Based on the contract structure, the Lakers took a guarded approach to signing the 15-year veteran, but they’re justified in doing so. Howard battled gluteal pain early in the 2018-19 campaign, appeared in nine games and underwent lumbar microdiscectomy to address the issue.

Despite losing 25 pounds during the offseason, per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Howard hasn’t played a meaningful game since November. The Lakers don’t know exactly what they’re getting in someone coming off a significant surgery in the twilight of his career.

According to Charania, Howard will push for the starting center position.

McGee started 62 out of 75 contests at center last season. He’ll battle a big man with a long resume but much to prove at this stage in his career for the spot. Who will win the competition? Head coach Frank Vogel has the final say, but we’ll break down the two contenders with a verdict.

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