Los Angeles Lakers: 5 players who may not be back for 2020-21 season

5. Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard’s second act with the Los Angeles Lakers has been a great thing to see. Howard, who was running out of chances in the league, came back to where a lot of his problems first arose. People were skeptical at first that he had changed, given his reputation around the league. He has proven those people wrong.

Howard has been excellent for the Lakers. After the injury to DeMarcus Cousins, Howard was signed and the Lakers are lucky to have done so. Howard has experienced a career renaissance this time around, making true on what he said prior to the season about being a changed person.

Howard is thriving as a roll man on offense and cleaning the glass with putback dunks. Defensively, he is protecting the rim as the anchor defensively and rebounding well, also.

So, why wouldn’t the Lakers want to bring him back next season? It may not be up to them. With how well he has played, Howard could price himself out of Los Angeles. If the season starts back up and Howard continues to play well during a playoff run, he could look to cash in this season with one last payday.

Already cash-strapped, the Lakers would more than likely have to go look elsewhere for another backup center if Howard enters free agency looking for the most money.