Third time’s a charm? Most likely that will be the scenario for center Dwight Howard, who the Los Angeles Lakers re-signed yesterday to make his third appearance in the purple and gold. Of course, we can say that Howard made it two times a charm as he was part of the world champion Lakers team two years ago and played a very important part for the team.
Howard has now found his proper place within the NBA at this point in his career. To be quite honest, I always feel that Howard has become a diamond in the rough because of how the game has changed so much.
He still plays that physical game which the NBA has tried to get rid of, unfortunately. Howard gives the Lakers the much-needed force in the middle that they did not have last season. Of course, he may not score as much as he used too but he rebounds, plays defense and gives the team a solidified big man down in the paint.
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Perhaps the most wonderful part of this move is the way in which he plays: fearless. Two seasons ago he gave the team an edge they did not have and heavily needed. Howard was that player and we saw him play without fear and never back down to anyone.
Another good thing about him is his knowledge of the Lakers’ system. It will only make things easier for the team and for him as well. After all, Howard is at the point in his career where he wants very much what the Lakers want and that is to win championships.
Dwight Howard now gives the Los Angeles Lakers a better chance to do so.
Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers needed more in the center position. Marc Gasol was not the answer they needed and they learned that as the season went on but that role was filled by Montrezl Harrell and Andre Drummond when they signed him halfway through the season.
They shall start the regular season with a legit center in the middle. That will, of course, only speed up the process for the team as Howard is now a well-seasoned veteran who is great around the basket both on offense and defense. He shall give the opposing teams a reason to think about coming down the middle.
Dwight Howard also gives the team a little nasty edge. Every team needs a player such as him to do a lot of the dirty work and to bang down low. This will hopefully make things much easier for Anthony Davis.
Howard is a large and muscular presence that does not allow himself to get pushed out of the paint. He is also very good on the defensive side of the ball as he can help to alter an opponent’s choice when and if they come down low. The Lakers needed a shot-blocker as well and Dwight Howard can fill that role too.