If Hogwarts accepted applications from the NBA, there would be a small group of players wishing to be part of Slytherin. One of them would be Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard, who could buddy up with Draco Malfoy if it increases his odds of joining the notorious house.

Simply put, Howard loves snakes. He thinks his scaled friends are misunderstood. In fact, the Lakers big man once had 50 snakes in his house. Via Tyler Tynes of GQ:

“People give snakes a bad rap. They’re very docile creatures, very silent and don’t do a lot of moving unless they’re outside their cages. I think they’re amazing. Reptiles can teach you a lot about how to be still.”

It appears that Dwight Howard was able to learn something from his pets. One of those is how to be more careful when dealing with these reptiles. In his interview with GQ, the Lakers veteran admitted he's been bitten by his slithering buddies in the past.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ZkB0Afb0eKhGDSO3sDGR4?si=695df677487c4e13

As far as the Lakers are concerned, they could use more bite as the team suffers from a slow start to the 2021-22 season. Perhaps that may involve letting Howard out of his proverbial cage? Thus far, the multiple-time All-Star averages career lows of 5.1 points and 4.9 rebounds in only 13.4 minutes throughout 18 games.

He's been sharing floor time with DeAndre Jordan. Also, Anthony Davis is playing more minutes at the center position for the Lakers. These are likely factors behind Howard's lesser role.

Snakes are known to be patient. If Howard managed to embrace this characteristic of his pets, then he'll be ready when his number gets called.