Dwight Howard says the Los Angeles Lakers want him to dominate the boards and be an effective offensive option on pick-and-roll plays.

Howard signed a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Lakers, who were in need of a center after losing DeMarcus Cousins to an ACL tear.

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Dwight Howard averaged 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds with the Washington Wizards last season, though he played in just nine games due to a back injury which required surgery in November. Howard is looking to save his basketball career with the Lakers, who won't tolerate any negative behavior from the former superstar center.

Howard is still a good rebounder and rim protector. He figures to be a productive pick-and-roll player with LeBron James on offense since The King commands so much attention when he has the ball. Howard and James should be able to connect on a handful of alley-oops as well.

The Lakers will have Howard back up JaVale McGee. The team's projected starting lineup is LeBron, Danny Green, Kyle Kuzma, Anthony Davis and McGee. Don't expect Howard to play a lot of minutes for the Purple and Gold. By all accounts, his role with the team is going to be limited this time around.