Upon joining the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, eight-time All-Star center Dwight Howard asked the team for a non-guaranteed contract. The word is that Howard wanted to prove his worth and show the commitment to the organization. Well, it seems like he did both.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Lakers will make Howard’s veteran’s minimum deal fully guaranteed, keeping the 34-year-old on the roster for the rest of the season.
This seems like a no-brainer, especially considering how Howard has been playing in 2019/20. He has been one of Lakers’ key contributors from the bench, averaging 7.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. He has also been a significant defensive presence, which greatly helped Lakers remain the top seed in the Western Conference.
Entering this season, Dwight Howard was considered to be a toxic locker room presence and tough player to play with. He was on three teams in three years, failing to adapt to the modern NBA and sacrifice some of his game for the greater good. Still, after Washington Wizards traded him to Memphis Grizzlies, who then released him, Howard knew he has to change his approach in order to remain in the league.
Lakers initially didn’t have an interest in Howard, but after DeMarcus Cousins’ injury, they decided to take a gamble. And, so far, it’s turned out to be a good decision.
