Dwight Howard had a mix of a ride with the LA Lakers, but could it have been better than it turned out to be? Well, at least that’s what it seems from the discussion between the Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and Howard. During a recent episode of D12’s Above The Rim podcast, the two got to talking about Howard’s first stint with the Lakers.         

The 3x DPOY landed with the team back in 2012 and by the time the much popular coach Phil Jackson had left the franchise. Buss, however, has now revealed more details about the circumstances that were back then. “At that time, I was in a relationship with Phil Jackson… And he (Jim Buss) had let Phil go and brought in another coach,” she recollected. However, she hoped that her brother would bring back Phil after it didn’t work out with his replacement.

“And he (Phil Jackson) really wanted to coach you,” Buss told Dwight. The former NBA star himself could not control his excitement at hearing this. He revealed Jackson had talked to him about wanting to coach him back then. D12 also revealed that his coach in his high school also used to run a triangle offense. So, he could’ve easily adapted to The Zen Master’s coaching methodology.

All-in-all, most of Howard’s dreams were coming true—playing alongside Kobe Bryant, and under coach Phil Jackson. But we all know how 8x All Star’s run with Black Mamba go. And to his disappointment, he didn’t play under the guidance of Jackson either as the Lakers hired Mike D’Antoni as the next coach after Mike Brown and Bernie Bickerstaff’s brief stints. 

Phil Jackson had a vision to use Dwight Howard to his potential with the Lakers

Back in 2013, The Zen Master had some intriguing thoughts on how the Lakers could’ve made the most of Howard. When speaking with Jack McCallum of Sports Illustrated, Jackson shared his vision on the same. He believed the Lakers should’ve worked through Howard in the post, creating opportunities for everyone else.

Think about it—picture Howard receiving the ball just 10 feet from the basket, opponents scrambling to double-team him. What happens next? The defense collapses, leaving open shooters on the perimeter. Jackson pointed out it was a simple formula that worked wonders for Shaquille O’Neal during the Lakers’ championship runs, with players like Robert Horry, Derek Fisher, and Rick Fox ready to sink open jumpers.

Jackson believed Howard could have been a similar catalyst. Now, some may argue that Shaq was a different breed. He had a unique ability to draw double teams and make the right pass. True, but Phil, seemingly, saw untapped potential in Dwight Howard. Although we may never witness Phil and Dwight working together, it’s good to know the two entities had immense recognition for each other’s potential. Not that The Zen Master lacks any recognition after 11 championships as a coach!

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join our exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.