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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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Verdict: JaVale McGee Starts

The Lakers will have to choose between Howard’s resume and McGee’s recent production. In this scenario, Vogel should choose the guy who spent the last year with the team.

Yes, the Lakers roster went through significant changes, but we know how McGee fits with LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope who remain on the roster.

Remember, Howard returns to Los Angeles as an unknown, signing a reported $2.6 million unprotected deal, per Charania. The Lakers know he may only show a fraction of the player who used to log double-doubles and swat two or three shots on his mediocre nights. However, the two-time blocks champion could also fit extremely well with Anthony Davis who prefers to play power forward.

Howard should start the season behind McGee, who played some of his best basketball in the last campaign, but if he shows signs of his younger self, Vogel can always tinker with the lineup midway through the year or after the All-Star break.

Next. 3 Things Dwight Howard can bring to the team. dark

In actuality, McGee and Howard are likely to split their minutes even if the latter plays well, but the former’s solid 2018-19 season gives him an edge over his older competitor who’s trying to work his way up from rock bottom.

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