Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking the day one signings by potential impact

By Jason Reed | Aug 3, 2021

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 13: Dwight Howard #39 of the Philadelphia 76ers in action against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at American Airlines Arena on May 13, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard was an excellent signing by the Los Angeles Lakers and the team definitely filled a need that it had on the roster. That being said, it is hard to rank Howard any higher than third on this list simply because of the role he is going to play with the team.

The Lakers needed depth at the center position. The only traditional center on the roster is Marc Gasol and he is not necessarily a great option when it comes to rebounding, nor being an offensive presence near the rim.

Howard is coming back to LA to essentially play the same role that he had previously. He is going to play 20 minutes per game with the sole responsibility of grabbing boards, blocking shots and catching the occasional lob.

That being said, this role, while important, is not impactful as the roles that the other new signings will have. Howard is not going to be a member of the crunch time lineup, or at least should not be, as Anthony Davis needs to play the five with Westbrook to avoid floor-spacing nightmares.

Howard is important, especially in the regular season, but he is someone who could find himself out of the playoff rotation depending on the matchup that the Lakers have with their opponent. It is a great signing, but it is not going to be the difference between winning and losing a championship.

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