Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard's contract became fully-guaranteed on Tuesday, meaning he will spend the remainder of the 2019-20 season as a vital frontcourt piece for the Purple and Gold.

This has been one of the more remarkable years of Howard's career. Yes, he has had more prolific seasons. But Howard's impact on these Lakers is something that cannot be taken for granted. Howard has been vastly more selfless and genuinely appreciative of his role for one of the best teams in the NBA.

You can practically feel the joy with which Howard is playing the game. He has some of the more visceral bench reactions to highlight-reel plays, and he is even knocking down threes!

Howard's enthusiasm has negated any fears of him negatively impacting teammates or serving as a distraction in the locker room.

While a changed attitude off the floor is certainly a positive, Howard is also becoming increasingly invaluable in his role on the court.

Lakers' Rim Protector

There was a time when Howard was the premier shot-blocker in the NBA. Gradually, however, his minutes began to decrease, and his overall productivity on the defensive end dipped as well. Howard even averaged just 0.4 blocks in nine games with the Washington Wizards last season.

One might otherwise have suggested Howard was over the hill as an elite rim protector. Not the case.

Howard is averaging an astonishing 1.5 blocks in less than 20 minutes per game, equating to a per-36 average of 2.8 swats (just 0.1 off his career mark). His resurgence has given the Lakers the most imposing frontcourt trio in basketball. Between Howard, Anthony Davis and JaVale McGee, opponents are hard-pressed to drive to the basket without potentially facing serious consequences.

As a result, the Lakers lead the league in blocked shots, and they also rank third in both opponents scoring average and defensive rating, according to Basketball Reference.

Intangibles

LeBron James has returned as an MVP-caliber player this season, averaging a league-best 10.8 assists per game. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel has capitalized on James' playmaking abilities by allowing him to dictate the offense and run the point.

While Davis–not to mention shooters like Danny Green and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope–have had an inherently positive impact on James, Howard has also been extremely capable both in transition and pick-and-roll situations.

Howard makes himself available at all times. He is always lurking around the rim. This gives LeBron options: look to make a play for himself, or draw extra defenders and spring Howard:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsT3Ys2uV88

Howard also runs the floor in transition.  Consider this play from Monday:

Howard does not even make the play, but as soon as the Lakers get the steal he breaks in the other direction. Then of course, there is this one, set up by LeBron:

This might seem like a simple play, but Howard beats his man down the floor and anticipates the next move.

Dwight's effort and productivity have been exactly what the Lakers needed, and they are a big reason for L.A.'s 30-7 start to the season.