The Lakers’ frontcourt is running on fumes, and the whispers are getting louder. Could an old friend be the answer? Dwight Howard, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year and former Laker champion, just sent a message straight to the franchise. Standing in a sneaker store, firing shots into a mini hoop, he turned to the camera and made his case. It was part plea, part challenge, and all Dwight. With the Lakers desperately needing size and defensive presence, could this actually happen?
In a Cool Kicks YouTube video, Dwight Howard shot into a hoop inside their store, initially with his right hand and then switching it up, flexing his ambidextrous prowess. Then after being approached by the owner JB, Dwight Howard says, hyped up, “Lakers what’s up y’all need a lefty y’all got Luka LeBron y’all need another Lefty? Go on and tell go on and get me right,” simply reigniting the plea of him making a Lakers comeback.
Since departing from the NBA, Howard has remained in the public eye through international stints and social media engagement. Most notably, his 2022 stint with the Taoyuan Leopards after failing to secure a roster spot in the NBA.
The 8x All-Star, Dwight Howard, has expressed interest in rejoining the Lakers, particularly at a time when the team is actively looking for size and depth in their squad. But this might all just be speculation. Let us see why.
Dwight Howard’s return to the Lakers: A fading dream
While the fans might be buzzing with excitement seeing the video surface on YouTube, Dwight Howard seems just as hyped, by asking Luka and LeBron if they want another lefty in the squad. The reality is far from it. Dwight Howard is making it clear that he is not donning the purple and gold anytime soon.
Despite winning the NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020, and having three separate stints with them in 2012, 2019, and 2021, the giant has not been a part of the NBA in almost three years. Dwight Howard plied his trade abroad but off-court personal issues have shrouded his future.
Facing recent custody battles, Dwight Howard has offered this revelation to the fans. He has cited personal reasons, saying that he is focusing on other aspects of life for not joining the Lakers, and although that is reason enough for starters, the Lakers also are not knocking on his door or seen too keen. Howard told TMZ, “I’m always ready, but there’s more to life than basketball,” signaling that he is not holding hope for another stint at the Lakers.
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 03: Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard 39 before the Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers game on April 03, 2022, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire NBA, Basketball Herren, USA APR 03 Nuggets at Lakers Icon2204031080
But that doesn’t stop the 6’10 athlete from stirring the pot about a return. Last year in October, Howard was asked about a potential return to the Lakers by The Post.
“I would definitely go back to the Lakers,” said the former Lakers Center. Whether he was serious or joking, we couldn’t tell. But what we can tell you is that Howard could have potentially continued his 2019-20 stint with the Lakers longer than it did.
Howard had an emotional conversation with Jeanie Buss, the Lakers owner, on the Above The Rim with DH 12 podcast.
“I was so sad. I wanted to come back,” Howard explained. “And I don’t know what had happened.”
“You took an offer from the Philadelphia 76ers,” said Buss. Howard substantiated this. He told her that he was led to believe by his former agent that Buss & Co. had no intention of re-signing him after that season. The same agent that pleaded guilty last year for his role in defrauding Howard of $7 million in a scheme to buy the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream.
Dwight Howard’s name still carries weight in Lakers lore. He was part of the 2020 championship team, a defensive force that once dominated the league. Do the Lakers believe he still fits? The purple and gold need depth, but nostalgia doesn’t win championships. In a hypothetical situation: is Dwight Howard a solution, or just a fading memory of what once was?
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