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Dwight Howard and Jeanie Buss on why Howard didn't give back to the Lakers

Dwight Howard and Jeanie Buss on why Howard didn't give back to the Lakers

In the summer of 2019, future Hall of Fame center Dwight Howard appeared to be on his last legs. Despite being a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, he was a free agent and apparently no team wanted him after his reputation took a nosedive.

The Los Angeles Lakers needed a backup center, so they turned to Howard with a suggestion: Accept a reduced role on the bench and don't cause problems. Howard, who was with the team during the 2012-13 season that ended in disappointment, said yes and played a key role in winning the 2020 NBA Championship.

He wanted to return the next season, but there was apparently a miscommunication between him and the Lakers and he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers instead. During a recent podcast appearance, Howard sat down with controlling owner Jeanie Buss and discussed what happened this 2020 offseason. He said the Lakers had no offer for him; Buss disagreed.

Ultimately, Howard feels like his agent lied to him about the whole situation (h/t Lakers Daily).

Howard's story with the Lakers in the 2019-20 season was one of redemption. After his first stint with the Lakers, in which he didn't get along particularly well with Kobe Bryant, he developed a reputation as a put-me-first prima donna, uncommitted to his craft or his team. He shattered that narrative by embracing his role off the bench and even becoming something of a cheerleader for his teammates.

He eventually returned to the Lakers for the 2021-22 season, but by then it was clear he had little to no game time left.

Since then, Howard has been playing overseas in Southeast Asia. In that podcast appearance, he pleaded with Buss to give him another chance and let him return to the Purple and Gold for another stint.

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