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The Los Angeles Lakers are in big trouble if Dwight Howard opts out

By Ronald Agers

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 29: Dwight Howard #39 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate while playing the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on December 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 29: Dwight Howard #39 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate while playing the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on December 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Anthony Davis is one of the best shot blockers in the NBA. Dwight Howard is one of the reasons why.

Anthony Davis is an athletic freak on both ends of the court. No doubt about that. But have you noticed how he plays defense. Most of the chaos is created from the weak side. That chaos can’t happen without a strong side defender providing rim protection. Watch what NBA TV says about Davis’ defense. But pay attention to the centers, JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard in the early highlights providing strong side defense at the rim.

Dwight Howard was the the primary backup to JaVale McGee and on most nights played more minutes. JaVale for the most part only played 15 minutes a night. Will JaVale be as effective playing more minutes especially with his asthma condition?

COVID-19 would be more of an issue to McGee than anyone on the roster. Remember he was almost out a month last year with pneumonia.

With the Lakers opting not to replace Howard with another player, it leaves the team with only one center on the roster. This leads to these potential problems.

  • JaVale McGee getting more minutes will last for a couple of rounds in the playoffs, but will be an issue in the later rounds. McGee only averaged 22 minutes last year.
  • Anthony Davis getting more minutes at the five will only wear him down working overtime playing post defense to compensate for Howard’s absence.
  • If anyone thinks that Devontae Cacok getting a minimal role will help, Lake Show Life has statues in front of the Staples Center you can buy for cheap.

Cacok was in the G League all season. What will a undersized power forward with no NBA experience accomplish in a championship run?

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