Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players who could play themselves out of LA

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 06: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of the NBA preseason game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on October 06, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 117-105. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 06: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of the NBA preseason game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on October 06, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 117-105. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

1. Dwight Howard

Re-signing Dwight Howard was a welcomed move for most Los Angeles Lakers fans this offseason. Most fans didn’t want to see Howard leave in the first place as the Lakers tried something different at the center position last season, not offering Howard a contract and allowing him to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Lakers noticed the error in their ways and brought Howard back in the offseason, traded Marc Gasol to save money and brought in DeAndre Jordan. They were essentially re-creating the center duo from the title-winning season, swapping JaVale McGee for Jordan.

I would have never expected to include Howard in this article but it is important to note what happened in Friday night’s game against Phoenix. Howard and Anthony Davis got in an altercation on the bench which resulted in Davis shoving Howard down onto the bench.

The players will gave the typical media responses to try and downplay the moment. But to have that kind of altercation only two games into the season? That is worrisome.

Even Magic Johnson agrees.

If there is any sort of contention as the year goes on the Lakers are obviously going to side with Davis over Howard, who has made a career out of being a headache for his teams. That changed in his last stint with the Lakers but with his past in the league, it is hard not to think that this could get ugly.