Los Angeles Lakers: Dwight Howard could revive his career in LA

As he prepares for a second stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dwight Howard has an opportunity to revive his fading NBA career

The last time Dwight Howard was a talking point – for the lack of a better word, relevant – in the NBA, it was certainly a different time. It’s safe to say that the last time Dwight entered a season in which he was set to play an important role for a team was 2015-16, with the Houston Rockets.

Over the last three years of his career, Dwight has bounced around on three different teams – Hawks, Hornets, and Wizards – and was quickly ran off after just one season in each spot. The league is quickly moving away from the traditional big man, which Dwight has been for the better part of his career, which leaves him in an awkward spot.

Dwight doesn’t have a 3-point shot, even though he’s added a jumper to his arsenal. He is also no longer the physical freak that he was during the prime of his career. He’s no longer superman and, in fact, has been the villain more often than not over the last few seasons.

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Now, after being bought out by the Grizzlies, Dwight will reportedly sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, at the first sign of trouble, the Lakers will have the option to cut bait on Dwight as he will ink a non-guaranteed contract.

Simply put, Dwight will have to play his role and accept it. If not, he’s gone.

"[via ESPN]In meetings with Lakers management, coaches and teammates – including Anthony Davis – late this week, Howard sold himself as an eight-time All-Star who had hit “rock bottom,” in the words of one team source, and promised that he’d humbly accept the responsibility to rebound and block shots for the Lakers."

Perhaps Dwight has hit rock bottom. Perhaps he is willing to accept a role in an ever-changing NBA and try to grasp to what’s remaining of his potential career in the league. After all, as he tries to salvage his reputation in the NBA, these are the things that he must do.

And if Dwight can successfully play the role or rebounder and rim-protector for the Lakers this season, and positively help the team, this could the start of a revival from Dwight. Howard turns 34 years old later this year, and could theoretically play a few more years in the league – especially if he’s healthy.

The last time Dwight was in Los Angeles, he left fans with an ugly taste in their mouths as he left them empty-handed as he made the move to Houston. This time around, Dwight needs the Lakers a whole lot than the Lakers need Dwight.

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If Dwight Howard is genuinely interested in reviving his NBA career, he’ll have a great opportunity to do it next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Los Angeles Lakers. Question is, can he pull it off?

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