The Los Angeles Lakers brought in Dwight Howard to play the 5 spot so AD didn’t have to.
Lake Show Life has stated numerous times that Anthony Davis, who the Los Angeles Lakers have yet to sing to a long term deal does not particularly like to play center for long periods of time. This particular point was on the list of reasons why he wanted to be traded from the New Orleans Pelicans.
If you really think that sentiment has changed, you haven’t been paying attention to AD career or his press conference when he came to L.A.
"I like playing the four. I’m not even going to sugar coat it." AD says. He turned to Frank Vogel and put his hand on his shoulder, smiling. "If it comes down to it, coach, and you need me to play the five, I’ll play the five."
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) July 13, 2019
Let’s fast forward past the grind of an NBA season to an uncertain NBA future. Dwight Howard has been better than advertised after getting time to really heal from back surgery. His energy and toughness has vastly helped the Lakers defense skyrocket into the top 5 in the NBA. Plus, he added toughness that was underrated on a team that had a ton of high flying dunks and alley oops from the entire front line.
Going into the playoffs, it would not be smart to put AD’s body through an unnecessary grind when you don’t have to. Dwight Howard’s presence has allowed Davis to play the position he loves so much, the power forward position.
Let’s say the Lakers play the Clippers. Here’s a fun fact, the Clippers just signed Joakim Noah to the roster for the rest of the season. Sure, so what you ask. What does he bring?
42 fouls in a seven game series. You think the Clippers aren’t loading up big bodies to pound on Anthony Davis? Noah has no issues laying the wood to Davis every chance he gets. Howard was the enforcer that protected Davis from the heavy physical play because he gave out plenty of his own.