The eight-time All-Star and three-time defensive player of the year Dwight Howard has been on a downward slope. For the back half of this decade, Howard has been a journeyman. Constantly switching teams and getting fewer minutes played is not a recipe for improvement. Being back on the Los Angeles Lakers, however, could be one of the best things to happen to Howard. With Howard being surrounded with great teammates such as LeBron James and Anthony Davis, he is sure to get the most out of his time with the Lakers. If he can continue to produce at the top of his game, he is sure to have his role on the team increased. Being in this position means that the comeback of Howard is a real possibility.
Dwight Howard’s Revival
Howard has spent the last half of this decade on rebuilding teams. The Atlanta Hawks, the Charlotte Hornets, and the Washington Wizards have all been homes to Howard over the past few years. But it hasn’t necessarily been home for Howard. As said before, Howard has been playing fewer minutes on these teams, and not being able to produce much. His minutes have been decreasing ever since he was last an All-Star with the Houston Rockets. With decreasing minutes comes decreasing statistics. His points per game totals have been on a decline, as well as his blocks per game.
Right now, Howard is playing terrific for the Lakers with the role that he’s been assigned. Howard has been shooting the rock at 71.4 percent. Although it has only been three games, it is still a career-high. Howard hasn’t been getting as many touches down low because of the superstar forward alongside him. Despite this, he is still putting up quality statistics. And as for the defensive end, Howard is doing what he has always been able to do. Howard is currently averaging 2.3 blocks per game. Once again, although he has only played three games, it is his highest block average since he last left the Lakers. Last night, Howard feasted on the Hornets, putting up 16 points (on 100 percent shooting) and tallied 4 blocks. If Howard keeps this up, Lakers’ coach Frank Vogel will have no choice but to increase his role on the team.
Dwight Howard’s Big Break
Players around the league still view Howard as a lethal defender, and can still rebound and score at a high clip. Even with his minutes and his role on teams decreasing over the years, Howard still records over 11 rebounds a game. And if Howard turns on the killer instinct that he showed off with the Orlando Magic, his defense and scoring abilities are terrific. So if Howard is able to continue proving himself as a valuable player to the Lakers, his minutes could go up. With increasing minutes comes increasing statistics, as well as an increasing role on the team. If Howard is able to revive his career and become a dominant big man in the league again, fans could be looking at the next big three in Los Angeles.
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