Los Angeles Lakers: What each new free agent brings to the team

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers moves the ball against Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers moves the ball against Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers

What Dwight Howard brings to the Los Angeles Lakers:

Dwight Howard is the final former Laker that has been added to the roster through day two of free agency. This was an incredible signing and it was great to see the front office right their wrongs of letting him go last season.

Howard played a big role on the 2019-2020 championship team.

He plays the traditional center role perfectly. Howard despite his age, is still a lob threat and a force to be reckoned with on the fast break.

MUST-READ: Why signing Dwight Howard was so great

Also, he is still an elite rebounder on both ends of the floor. His offensive rebounding efforts resulting in extra possessions can sometimes make the difference between winning and losing games. Throughout his long career, he has led the league in rebounds five times.

Possibly the biggest thing that Howard brings to the team is his interior defense. In his prime, Howard was one of the best shot blockers in the league. This led to him being named the block champion in two years and winning three Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Howard has a remarkable 100 career defensive rating, further attesting to the force of nature he is on the defensive end.

He will likely pick up right where he left off in Los Angeles and it will be interesting if he will be named the starting center when the season tips off.