The Lakers are an intimidating squad when they have a healthy roster. The Lake Show has always stacked big men to safeguard them and the 2021-22 season will be no exception. After the off-season exit of their giants in Andre Drummond and Montrezl Harrell, the franchise decided upon re-introducing Dwight Howard.
The Superman of the league will play in his 18th season when he takes the court in October 2021. Also, this one’s going to be his third stint in LA after playing here in 2012-13 and then again in 2019-20. So what is the aging Dwight adding to the talents of the Lakers?
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Dwight Howard and his role alongside LeBron James
In a recent interview, D12 seemed very confident and clear about his KRA (Key Result Areas) with his current team. The 35-year-old knows that his addition to the Lakers is all about hardcore physical defense, catching tough rebounds, and ruling the paint.
Dwight Howard on knowing his role at this stage of his career:
"Rebounding, playing defense, catching lobs. That’s all I gotta focus on."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) August 6, 2021
For 14 straight years in his NBA career, Dwight averaged a double-double and secured his nickname as The Daily Double. However, that changed in 2018 when the star went through surgery to repair his gluteal injury and lost his Midas touch. Since then, he has averaged just 7.6 points, 8 rebs, and 1 block in the last three seasons with three different teams.
Now, he must better all of that in this year to revamp his late-career with the only team that could get him a ring.
Read more – Old Feud Reigniting? Shaquille O’Neal Claps Back After Dwight Howard Imitates Him on Instagram
What will the Lakers expect from the veteran?
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In 2020-21, coach Frank Vogel struggled to find a center player who could promise consistency. Both Andre Drummond & Marc Gasol had their fair share of dreadful nights that cost the Lakers some crucial games. But with Dwight, it’s almost a surety that his playing minutes never go to waste.
The 8x All-Star shares a great camaraderie with LeBron James and the duo proves that with their alley-oop combos. Plus, Dwight ensures great defensive rebounding and poses hustle under the glass. His rim-bending dunks are another advantage that injects confidence in the team.
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So if only Dwight can promise close to 22 minutes per game, it will be a great load off Anthony Davis’s shoulders because he’ll have another defensive force like him to rely on. Do you think Dwight would walk the talk? Help us know in the comments box below.
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