Welcome back, Dwight Howard. That’s right, after the Lakers scooped up a former Lakers sharpshooter and another former Lakers 3-and-D wing and champion, Rob Pelinka and crew kept that vibe going by bringing back Dwight as a free agent from the 76ers:
I’m not going to spend a lot of time discussing Dwight’s game as we should all be very familiar with that by now. Last season in Philly backing up Joel Embiid featured pretty much the exact type of play (and to the same level) that Dwight showed for the Lakers in their 2019-20 season that ended with a title. So, expect the same rim running, defensive minded, rebound chasing, lob catching big man who left the Lakers a year ago.
That type of player should be very useful, too. While a big like Gasol — who is still under contract for next season, by the way — offers an element of perimeter spacing and passing, the Lakers sorely missed the physicality, shot blocking, and vertical spacing that a player of Dwight’s type brings. Having him back in the fold, particularly in lineups that feature one of LeBron or Russ as a P&R partner or as the recipient of dump off passes should help offensively and as a defensive anchor to protect the rim and help generate more transition chances.
So, welcome back Dwight. It’s great to have you back in the fold.