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The Los Angeles Lakers are sitting on top of the team standings, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are playing like they're made for one another, and Dwight Howard has not disappointed.
Okay, the last one needs more context. In 23 games, Howard holds career lows of 7.0 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Those numbers do not jump out the window but given the former All-Star center's recent history and how he ended up wearing the purple and gold for the second time, one can't help but appreciate his importance to the Lakers and his commitment this time around.
In fact, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, while appearing on The Jump, Howard's camp actually asked for his contract to be non-guaranteed.
“I think with Dwight, it also goes back to why the Lakers signed that contract with him that way in the first place. Dwight asked for that. That was his idea. That wasn’t the Lakers saying ‘oh this is the only way we’ll do it.’ This was Dwight and his agent saying ‘yes, we’ll do non-guaranteed just to show you how committed we are to being this kind of player.’”
Howard has played for four teams over the same number of seasons, painting a rather questionable picture of his reputation. He's had his bad press but entering his redemption opportunity with Los Angeles, Howard appears to be laser-focused in not letting this one slip away.
Having someone like the former Defensive Player of the Year is quite a luxury for head coach Frank Vogel. Anthony Davis' health hasn't been the most promising aspect of his career and JaVale McGee isn't the type of big-minutes center who could hold the forth consistently for a top-tier team.
Howard's decision is looking like a wise bet and the Lakers may very well guarantee his contract next month. It's all fun under the Hollywood sun.
