Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Players who will be X-Factors

3. Dwight Howard

Howard has the ability to elevate the team’s level of play, or to bog them down once again in drama like he did during his first stint with the team in 2012-13.

After losing free-agent signing DeMarcus Cousins to a torn ACL, the Lakers decided to take a flyer on Howard by signing him to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract.

Years ago he was an elite player and arguably the best big man in the game, but injuries and a prima-donna attitude have caused him to decline not only on the court, but also in the court of public opinion. Reportedly, the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets, two of his most recent teams, rejoiced when he left them.

His talent has never been questioned, and he reportedly impressed the Lakers while working out for them, partly because he seemed to be in great shape. He may be getting close to his mid-30s now, but he can apparently still protect the rim, rebound, run the floor and make the pick-and-roll work well.

If that’s the player he’ll be for the Lakers this upcoming season, the team could establish themselves as strong favorites to win the NBA title by the time the playoffs roll around, just as they would’ve if Cousins stayed healthy and played at a high level.

Of course, Howard has to adopt a team-first attitude. There’s a good chance he’ll be coming off the bench, at least to start the season, and he won’t get to score nearly as many points or get as many touches as he has in the past. He must accept and embrace that, because it looks like Lakers players and coaches let Howard know when they met with him that he’ll be on a very short leash.

In his second stint with the Lakers, he has the opportunity to not only play on an elite team, but to also rewrite his NBA story, much like Ron Artest did back in the day when he joined the purple and gold.

For someone like Howard who presumably is all about getting people to love him, that could be a powerful motivator – if he chooses.