Dwight Howard and the Lakers Get Back Together

Dwight Howard has rejoined the Los Angeles Lakers in a move that represents a big risk for both parties. 

Normally, signing an eight-time All-Star and 15 year veteran wouldn’t be risky, but Dwight Howard and the Lakers have history. 

For the Lakers, it must feel like taking back an abusive ex partner. Things did not end well between the franchise and Dwight Howard six years ago, and neither of them fully recovered.

So much so that his contract, agreed on Monday, stipulates that if Howard behaves disruptively the team will ditch him.

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Howard was signed by the Lakers in 2012 when the team was making a major push for the championship. While playing in L.A, he lead the NBA in rebounds. As well as that, he even played through injury.

However, his toxic presence in the locker room told as he clashed with Kobe Bryant, of all people. The Lakers fell in the first round of the playoffs that year, and Howard ditched them for free agency. To add insult to injury, he accepted less money than what Los Angeles was offering to join the Houston Rockets.

Since then, the Lakers haven’t made the playoffs. As well as that, Howard has played for six teams in six years. Each time he’s returned to the Staples Center as an opponent, he’s been booed. 

He’s back for good now, though, and if things work out, he could be a powerful weapon for the Lakers. Especially considering that DeMarcus Cousins could be out for the entire season with a torn ACL.

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The 33 year old has career averages of 17.4 points, 12.7 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. A difficult character, yes, but still one of the best big men around. Could he make amends and help them make the playoffs? With LeBron James and Anthony Davis to play with, he has a good chance.