Los Angeles Lakers are impressed with Dwight Howard

Frank Vogel recently talked about how the Los Angeles Lakers are impressed with Dwight Howard so far.

After an injury to DeMarcus Cousins over the summer, the Los Angeles Lakers were forced to find a replacement for a player that was going to be a key piece.

Since the injury to Cousins occurred well after free agency, the Lakers weren’t left with a ton of options. However, they ended up settling with a player that nobody thought would be back in Los Angeles.

The signing of Dwight Howard to a non-guaranteed contract made a lot of sense for the Lakers, but it was certainly surprising. Given Howard’s first stint with the Lakers, not many every thought he would return. However, since leaving Los Angeles, Howard has been humbled a bit.

While Howard was once a great player, those days are in the past. However, Howard has the potential to be a valuable player in the NBA and for the Lakers. Recently, Frank Vogel talked about how well Howard is doing so far in his second stint with Los Angeles. Here’s what he said to Christian Rivas of Silver Screen and Roll.

"“Dwight Howard has been all business since he came in this time around. We’re asking our whole group to have a seriousness about ourselves, and he’s been an all-business type of guy,” Vogel said. “It’s really helped us be focused.”"

Seeing Howard impressing early on is certainly good to see for the Lakers. Howard has the potential to be the starting center for the Lakers, but he still needs to prove that some of the issues in the past are behind him.

Howard comes to Los Angeles near rock bottom, with his reputation around the league being very poor. However, he is also impressing his new teammate, Anthony Davis.

"“Dwight has it on his mind that he wants to help this team win, and whatever that entails, he’s gonna do it. He wants to have his second run in L.A. be a great one,” Davis said.“He goes in the weight room, he gets his treatment and he comes on the court to get his work in and practice. He’s been about business from day one, and that’s all you can ask for, is for a guy to come in, get his work in and be ready to go.”"

Howard came into his workout with Los Angeles in great shape, and that is a great indication that he is motivated. As a great center in his prime, Howard never won a championship. The first time around in Los Angeles looked like it was going to be a great chance for him to accomplish that. However, that didn’t happen. Now, Howard has the chance to win a title in a different role.

Howard embracing his new role with the Lakers is great to see. Whether it be as a starter or a backup, Howard will be poised for significant minutes this season for the Lakers as long as he stays on this right path.