A few weeks ago, Los Angeles Lakers big man Dwight Howard sent signals that he might not suit up and join the squad in Orlando. But according to head coach Frank Vogel, Howard is willing to play and the organization is not scouting for a possible replacement.

Per Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Vogel expressed optimism that Howard will join the Lakers in the bubble location in Orlando. Though he isn't quite sure about his “level of participation,” Vogel and the organization remain “hopeful.”

“We've been in communication with Dwight the whole way with supportive phone calls and text messages,” Vogel said. “We don't know what the level of participation is going to be yet. He wants to play. We're hopeful that he's able to join us.”

Guard Avery Bradley is the first and so far the only Laker to opt out of the season, citing family concerns. He was replaced by JR Smith.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Los Angeles Lakers center Alex Len (27) defends against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers rumors: Will LA pursue center they’ve ‘long been fans of’ in free agency?Julian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates after a play against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter in game six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series.
LeBron James drops mic on Lakers’ bubble championship hatersJulian Ojeda ·
Kevon Looney, Al Horford, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela on the Lakers court.
Sources: Lakers’ likeliest strategy to fixing center problemAnthony Irwin ·
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) makes a block attempt against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) during the first half at Delta Center.
NBA rumors: Lakers insider reveals why trade for Jazz star is unlikelyScotty White ·
Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks defends Western Conference forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Giannis Antetokounmpo sounds off on LeBron James’ ‘no bag’ mic dropJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ Luka Doncic seen putting in offseason work in the gymRexwell Villas ·

Howard has been one of the more outspoken proponents of the Black Lives Matter movement that was sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. Once the NBA announced its plans of resuming the 2019-20 season, Howard was one of the players who spoke against this decision, calling basketball a “distraction” in these trying times.

“Basketball, or entertainment period, isn't needed at this moment, and will only be a distraction,” Howard said in a statement issued to CNN through agent Charles Briscoe last month.

This sent signals all over the league that Howard does not intend to join the Lakers in the bubble campus. However, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year seemingly backpedaled on his statements, noting that players have a choice if they want to play or not.