For the first time in his career, Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard is coming off the bench.

Howard, who signed a non-guaranteed deal with the Lakers after the team lost DeMarcus Cousins to an ACL tear, says he is enjoying his role off the bench.

“I enjoy coming off the bench,” Howard said on Spectrum SportsNet, via Silver Screen And Roll. “I get the opportunity to see the schemes that the other team is doing (and) where I’m needed on the floor, whether that be up on the pick and rolls, if I need my energy to be up, if I need to come in the game and get a couple blocks. I’m reading the defense, I’m reading the offense and I’m just seeing where I can be of service to my teammates.

“It’s a very different role for me but I really do enjoy it… I just want to be the person who can see everything on the court before I even get on.”

In 17 games this season for the Lakers, Howard is averaging 6.7 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 75.0 percent from the field in roughly 20 minutes per game. He has also been a solid rim protector for the team, recording 1.5 blocks per contest.

Howard hasn't been a distraction on or off the court and seems to be embracing his role to the fullest.