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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 22: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers practices before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 22, 2020 in New York City. Note to User: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers still need help in the frontcourt. In fact, some fans are already so worried about seeing backup big man Kevon Looney (sorry, Loon) play that they’re asking the team to bring back the fan-favorite from years past.
While the Lakers struggle with a center shortage, eight-time NBA All-Star and 2020 champion Dwight Howard made his international debut for Black Fortress Tbilisi seven months after being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Howard, 40, spent his final few years in the NBA playing for the Lakers, and played a key role in helping the franchise win its first title in a decade in 2020.
Lakers urged to bring back Howard after impressive debut
By the way, what’s the matter with all the former Lakers going abroad? Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen Howard, D’Angelo Russell, and JaVale McGee make waves on the international stage. On Friday, Howard suited up for Tbilisi, and he looked like the good old D12.
Meanwhile, the Lakers lack a reliable big man to play behind Walker Kessler, the team’s marquee offseason acquisition, a listener of the “Lakers Nation” podcast suggested. Howard should get another NBA opportunityWriting, “I have more confidence in (40-year-old) Dwight for 10-12 minutes (per game) than Looney.”
Lakers reporter Trevor Lane, host of the podcast, said: “I know you could say you have more confidence in Dwight than Looney at this point, not that Dwight looks bad, I just don’t think he looks as explosive in this footage, nor would I expect him to. Then again, here’s 41 years old. … I don’t have a lot of hope that Dwight Howard is still an NBA-level player.”
In his debut for the Georgian Basketball Club, Howard recorded 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks while shooting 5-for-8 from the field. Not bad for an old guy who hadn’t played professional basketball in quite some time.
Howard the Laker; Will LA add another big man?
Without question, Howard will bring some hot storylines back to the Lakers. The former NBA star spent three stints with the Lakers, his first after being traded to the Orlando Magic in 2012. Seven years later, Howard returned to LA and snatched that elusive NBA championship after playing a key reserve role.
After a few seasons, Howard returned for a brief third stint. After a rocky first season with the Lakers, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year won over Lakers fans after a memorable 2019-20 season.
If that version of Howard was still on the market, the Lakers would be doing everything possible to get him.
While Lakers Nation isn’t too happy with Looney backing Kessler, the good news is that LA has time until the trade deadline to set themselves up to trade for a reliable reserve center. In the meantime, we’ll find out if Looney can provide some productive minutes off the bench or take on a bigger role with Kessler off the field.
Adel Ahmed Adell is a writer with over five years of experience covering the NBA. His work has appeared on a variety of media platforms, both national and local. More about Adel Ahmed