Lakers Video: Dwight Howard On His Journey Back To Los Angeles

Trevor Lane
2 Min Read
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

In the summer of 2013, Dwight Howard became persona-non-grata in Los Angeles after he decided to leave the Lakers in free agency. After a challenging season that effectively ended when Kobe Bryant tore his Achilles, Howard opted to move on, and in the process, became a villain to Lakers fans.

That sentiment festered for years, with Howard receiving a chorus of boos every time he set foot in the Staples Center.

All of that changed this season.

After being waived by the Memphis Grizzlies, Howard had an opportunity to re-join the Lakers after an injury to DeMarcus Cousins left them needing another center.

As Howard explained to teammate Jared Dudley in an interview on Instagram Live, just weeks prior to the Lakers offer coming around he had made the decision that he needed to move on from ill-will that existed between him and Los Angeles, deciding that forgiveness was the best path forward and realizing that he had made some mistakes.

Thus, when the Lakers’ roster spot came open, Howard jumped at the chance. He also committed himself to be a role player and doing whatever the team asked of him, whether that was running the floor, being on the bench, or even just helping LeBron James with his pre-game powder toss.

Howard was determined to make the most of it and enjoy every moment, and that mindset has paid major dividends. He has become an integral piece of the Lakers, using his rebounding, defense, and physical presence to frustrate opponents.

Howard has partnered with JaVale McGee to form a two-headed monster at the center position, with both players willing to sacrifice their own touches and minutes if it will help the team.

It’s been a long road, but Howard’s journey back to Los Angeles has been one of the feel-good stories of the season.

Trevor Lane is a longtime NBA and Los Angeles Lakers fan who had the good fortune to grow up during the glory days of the Showtime Lakers, when Magic Johnson, Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, and the rest ruled the Great Western Forum. He has written about basketball, soccer, fantasy sports, MMA, and even pro wrestling over the course of his career, but the spectacle that is the Lakers is his true passion. He made the leap into podcasting for Lakers Nation and provides voice-over analysis for our YouTube channel. With a who's who of stars gracing the Lakers lineup over the years, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, Pau Gasol, and many others, the Lakers always provide plenty to talk about. When he isn't writing or recording, Trevor can be found spending time with his wife and daughter or on the sidelines for one of the youth teams he coaches. Outside of the Lakers, Trevor is a supporter of the LA Galaxy, US Soccer, Dallas Cowboys, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Contact: trevor@mediumlargela.com