Dwight Howard's redemption tour comes with a fistful of new attitude after a sour ending in La La Land many moons ago. The new Los Angeles Lakers center has been going about it a blue-collar way, pounding the boards, scrapping for extra possessions, and sharing the ball in hopes to make it work this time around.
Howard was coming off a severe back issue during his one-year stint with the Lakers in 2012-13, but he battled through it all to post a still-impressive 17.1 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game — despite a quick one-year venture in Los Angeles.
While the situation wasn't pretty for Howard back then, he still admitted he's happy to be playing at Staples Center once again:
“It’s kind of weird being back out there, but I’m very thankful to be playing with the Lakers again,” said Howard after a 12-point, 13-rebound, four-steal preseason night against the Golden State Warriors on Monday, according to Kyle Goon of the Orange County Register. “I’ve always loved this place, despite how it, I guess, ended the last time. I’ve never lost any love for the fans or people here. I love playing in this building.”
Howard was known for his constant tiff with Lakers star Kobe Bryant, who was still in the midst of his heyday when he joined the franchise.
The 33-year-old is now in a much different position upon returning to LA, now tasked with resurrecting his career after a year of inactivity with the Washington Wizards due to injury — and having played for a different team each of the last four seasons.
The big man logged six assists in a 104-98 win over the Warriors, showing he has many sides to his game, even if he was indeed the biggest star on the court for his team.
Follow Us
Subscribe