JaVale McGee will head into the 2019-20 season expecting to be the starting center for the Los Angeles Lakers, even after the acquisition of Dwight Howard in the wake of DeMarcus Cousins' torn ACL in the summer:

“Yeah, I've thought about my role,” McGee told Spectrum SportsNet, having inked a two-year, $8.2 million deal with the Lakers this summer. “I mean, I started last year, so I wouldn't expect anything less — but it's definitely not up to me, it's up to the coach. But I don't plan on showing him anything other than I'm the starting center for the Lakers.”

The lanky center averaged a career-high 12 points while pulling down 7.5 rebounds and blocking two shots in 22.3 minutes per game last season. McGee might just be the healthier option at center, with Howard coming off an injury-riddled season with the Washington Wizards, which set up an offseason trade with the Memphis Grizzlies to unload him. After agreeing to a buyout, Howard opted to net a second chance with the team he played for during the 2012-13 season.

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The Lakers aren't expecting gaudy numbers from Howard, but instead just the points, rebounds, and blocks production he has been able to put up the last few years. Despite him having a massive statistical advantage over McGee, the Lakers could play his status by ear, according to how he responds during training camp and how he's able to manage his injuries over the course of the season.

It's worth noting that the Lakers are paying McGee a starter's wage, while Howard was given a non-guaranteed veteran's minimum once he was bought out by Memphis.