Dwight Howard has had an extremely noteworthy start to the new season with the Los Angeles Lakers, taking huge steps toward erasing from our collective memories what was a miserable single-season stint with the team some six years ago.

For a brief lesson in history, let's quickly revisit Howard's season with the Lakers back in 2012-13. At 27, he was still at the tail end of the peak of his career, and his numbers for L.A. that season despite a nagging back problem (17.1 points on 57.8 percent shooting, 12.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.4 blocks) would certainly be testament to that fact.

However, his ill-fated relationship with Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant was well-documented. The Lakers would suffer a humiliating first-round sweep against the San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs, and more than a few folks pointed their finger toward Howard and his unprofessional attitude as the scapegoat for the team's miserable end to the season.

Fast-forward six seasons later, and the Lakers were forced to look in the direction of Howard as a last-minute replacement after DeMarcus Cousins' ACL injury. The decision has paid off so far.

Right now, Howard is averaging 6.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.8 steals, and 2.3 blocks in just 21.3 minutes per game off the bench. These are indeed some pretty impressive numbers, especially considering his minutes. However, what does not appear in the box score is the type of energy the three-time Defensive Player of the Year brings to the table.

Howard looks like a completely different man from who he was not so long ago, and it appears it all boils down to the type of attitude he has imbibed entering his 16th season in the league. Now at 34, the eight-time All-Star appears to have fully accepted the reduced role he is being asked to perform for the team. Transitioning to a reserve role is never easy, especially for a guy like Howard, who was once considered a cornerstone superstar of an entire franchise.

Nevertheless, it looks like Howard left his ego at the door the moment he set foot in L.A., and this has absolutely worked wonders for him and the team. The Lakers are allowing just 90.4 points per 100 possessions with the center on the court, per NBA.com. That defensive rating is down to 77.9 when he plays with Anthony Davis, which is truly dominant as L.A. boasts the best defensive in the NBA.

On Sunday, Howard had arguably his best game of the young season, as he helped his side to a 103-96 victory against the San Antonio Spurs. For his part, the 6-foot-11 big man accounted for 14 points, 13 rebounds, two steals, and a couple of blocks in 21 minutes of action. The most impressive part of his performance was the fact that he went a pristine 7-of-7 from the field.

Dwight Howard may be past his prime, but it is clear he is out to redeem himself for his foiled season in L.A. six years ago. Judging by his early-season performances, it certainly feels like he is on the right track.