Los Angeles Lakers: Dwight Howard’s three best games of the season
Dwight Howard saved his career by joining the Los Angeles Lakers and had some pretty good games throughout the season.
Who said Dwight Howard’s career was over? Well, it definitely looked so a year ago.
Physical issues and a major shifting in the game had determined a decline in the big man’s game. After bouncing around the league having lost his status and role in the last few years, the umpteenth back problems had virtually put an end to his NBA tenure.
No one was interested in an aging, complaining center molded on the interior game of the past.
Fortunately for Howard, DeMarcus Cousins tore his ACL in the offseason, and the Los Angeles Lakers, with only JaVale McGee in the role on the roster, found themselves in need of a backup.
The former All-Star showed up in incredible shape, slimmed down and committed to do everything necessary to get the roster spot. Considered his past tenure in LA and his recurrent conduct issues, the Lakers gave him a non-guaranteed contract, warning him that he would be waived as soon as he stepped out of bounds.
Unexpectedly, Howard thrived in his new backup role, embracing the challenge to adjust to a diminished role and a limited responsibility game-wise. All he had to do was bringing energy, defense and rim protection. And that is exactly what he did, averaging 7.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 19.2 minutes per game. Furthermore, he did not cause any problem in the locker room and teammates enjoyed his presence, acknowledging his maturity and behavior.
At 33 years old, Dwight Howard is reborn, entering a new phase of his life on the floor that could extend the longevity of a Hall of Fame career.
It is not a case that Lakers front office guaranteed his contract in January and that we recently heard that they are probably willing to re-sign him next season and get everything he has left in the tank.
After all, at the price of the veteran minimum, he is absolutely worth the money and the minimum risk that at this point he brings with himself. If he conquests the coveted ring with the Lakers, he could look to finish his career in purple and gold, giving everything he has left to the last drop to the franchise that adopted him twice.