Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking down the battle at center

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

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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(Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Dwight Howard

Regardless of what you think about Howard’s attitude, he has a decorated NBA resume as an eight-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA selection and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Those accolades are in the distant rear view, but the 33-year-old could have a bounce-back year. He’s kept himself in shape.

Skeptics may see a more svelte and agile Howard, but what about his ability blend in and coexist with his teammates under the spotlight? According to Charania, the big man has hit some lows over the past few years, which caused him to change his professional outlook.

Howard needs his offseason work to translate on the court. If he looks anything like the 2017-18 version of himself with the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 16.6 points, 12.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks through 81 contests, the faded superstar could win the starting job.

Assuming Howard makes the regular-season roster, he’s unlikely to play more than 25 minutes per game in a timeshare with McGee at center.

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