Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking the most important players on the roster

10. Dwight Howard

It may be a bit strange to see Dwight Howard at No. 10 on this list, but that’s just how unimportant the center position has become in the NBA. Still, considering he was a big part of their championship run two years ago, he should play a role at least to start off this season.

Depending on how the Lakers want to play this season, he’s probably going to be the starting center – unless they elect to start DeAndre Jordan ahead of him, but I doubt it. If he can still be a difference-maker on the defensive end, my guess is that they’ll use him in that role all season long.

Plus, he’ll help take some of the pressure on that end of the floor off of Anthony Davis. And that, more than anything, is why he’s the 10th most important player on the Lakers roster this season.