The Los Angeles Lakers head into the 2024-25 season as one of the most interesting teams in the NBA. Last night, they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, one of the top teams in the West, by a score of 110-103. The game featured first-time head coach JJ Redick leading the way. Additionally, LeBron James and Bronny James officially became the first-ever father-son teammate duo in league history last night. After getting eliminated in the first round last season, the Lakers aim to make it back to playoffs once again. Furthermore, still led by James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers are fighting for their 18th championship in franchise history, just four years after winning their last one. Now, right as the season gets underway, a member of that Lakers squad is making it clear that he is open to returning to the team. That player? Potential Hall of Famer Dwight Howard.
Howard played an important role in the Lakers’ championship run in 2020. For the first time in his career to that point, he was relegated to a bench role. Still, he made it work and finished ninth in Sixth Man of the Year voting that season. In a recent interview for the New York Post, the 38-year-old has revealed that he would still entertain a Lakers reunion.
“I would definitely go back to the Lakers,” Howard exclusively told the Post on Tuesday before his “Dancing With the Stars” partner Daniella Karagach quipped, “I’m getting him in shape.”
Dwight Howard Is Open to Los Angeles Lakers Reunion
Fourth Time Is the Charm for Dwight Howard and the Lakers
Hypothetically, if Howard were to return to Los Angeles, it would mark his fourth stint with the team. Howard infamously played for the Lakers during the 2012-13 season, his first time playing for a non-Orlando Magic squad. Additionally, in 2021-22, the big man returned for the third time and played 60 games. Up to this point, this was the last time Howard played in an NBA game.
The Atlanta native has been open about his desire to return to the league for a long time. In May, he made it clear he wanted “one more chance” to return to the NBA. Furthermore, last December, on his 38th birthday, Howard made it clear he is “not retiring” just yet. Additionally, he said he wants to play in the In-Season Tournament, now known as the NBA Cup.
I turned 38 today 🎈 and I thought about it lol… I’m not retiring before I have the chance to say I played in a In season tournament game lol
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) December 8, 2023
The Last Word
It remains unlikely that Howard will ever return to the league again. Once a dominant player in his prime, he is far from that same player today. He does have size and championship experience. However, it has been roughly seven years since the last time he played a consistent, starting role for an NBA team. Howard could probably still provide some useful minutes off the bench if needed. However, at this point in time, it is difficult to imagine he can still contribute to a championship-contending team.
