Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking the top five role players on the team

3.) Dwight Howard

The biggest surprise for the Lakers this season has undoubtedly been Dwight Howard, who was a ‘break in case of emergency’ signing in the wake of DeMarcus Cousin’s injury. Laker fans were wary of bringing back the former All-Star after an unpleasant break-up back in 2013, but so far Dwight has done everything right to win back the affection of the fanbase.

Even though he plays limited minutes, at only 20.2 per game, he brings great rim protection, exceptional rebounding, and a solid lob threat for LeBron James to pass to. Even though he’s well past his DPOY prime, his instincts are still great, and he still has the athleticism to pull off the occasional highlight play.

However, for as good as Dwight has been, he isn’t without his faults, which generally manifests themselves in the form of bad fouls, poor free-throw shooting, and a propensity to argue calls rather than get back on defense.

But these don’t outweigh all the positives that Dwight brings to the floor, and kudos should be given to him for accepting a lesser role and performing it to the best of his ability, which can’t be said for a lot of former star players past their prime.