LOS ANGELES – After a forgettable stint with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2012-13 NBA season, Dwight Howard decided to head elsewhere. The veteran center proceeded to play for five teams before being humbled and agreeing to return to where many expected him to contend for a title alongside Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Steve Nash.
Although many have been skeptical of Howard's return and his promise to be a team-first player, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year seems to have done just that. The season is only three games in for the Lakers, but Howard is making an impression on his team and team leader, LeBron James.
“That's why we brought him here,” James said after an impressive performance by Howard. “We felt like everyone else was writing him off. We feel like we can give him a great opportunity, and we believe in him. We believe in his word. He's making the most of it. We're truly excited to have him here right now.”
On Sunday, the Lakers played against one of Dwight's former teams in the Charlotte Hornets. He didn't waste the opportunity as he made most of the 23 minutes he played, finishing with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks in that span.
During his impressive performance, Lakers fans started to get behind Howard for the first time since he was in purple and gold back in 2013.
“I'm just grateful,” Howard said of the reception from fans at Staples Center. “I think myself and the fans have been through a lot together, but just to be back here means a lot, so just take it all in. Every second. Every moment on the court.”
In the two previous games, Howard averaged 2.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. That is about what the team expected from the veteran journeyman, but the kind of production he had tonight dramatically improves the team's chances of keeping Anthony Davis fresh and the defense solid every single night as they try to become the title contender this season.
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