LeBron James: Former No. 1 picks who were his teammates in his career

Guarantee: If Dwight Howard keeps his promise, the Lakers can win the NBA title.

Dwight Howard is definitely an enigma to Lakers fans all over the world. But so was Dennis Rodman before the Chicago Bulls started their second three-peat.

Dwight Howard was handed a version of the “scared straight” non-guaranteed contract and actually has to earn his spot on the active roster this season. He basically had to beg for a chance to prove himself. But has anyone thought about what would happen if he actually does?

If Dwight Howard actually approaches the game professionally, he could actually be the steal of the free agency. If this works out, this transaction could fully restore the credibility of the Lakers front office. The reason he has this contract is not because of his game. Howard can still be a difference-maker around the rim at times on both ends for Los Angeles.

Sure Howard only played nine games for the Wizards last year. But one of them was a 25 point, 17 rebound performance against the Brooklyn Nets. Sure he lasted one season in Charlotte, but he broke Larry Johnson‘s record for double-doubles in a season.

After becoming the first overall pick of the Orlando Magic in the 2004 NBA Draft, Howard went on to become an eight-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA First Team performer. He actually made the NBA Slam Dunk contest fun again for awhile.

The Lakers are not going to get that type of production from Dwight this season, but a healthy, active and a quality teammate will help this franchise’s title hopes.

Or they’ll cut him.