The Los Angeles Lakers are making it clear that Dwight Howard’s presence on the team is contingent on him putting in the work and proper behavior.
Howard will join the Lakers after the Memphis Grizzlies buy out his contract, but it came after extensive vetting on Los Angeles’ part. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Howard had dropped 25 pounds before his Laker workout, and the team came to believe that he had hit “rock bottom” after missing almost all of the 2018-19 season. With the center on a non-guaranteed contract, however, he will be held to a high standard if he wants to keep his spot on the team.
Howard came to meet Lakers after dropping 25 pounds; showed his back was healthy. Lakers want him to protect rim/rebound in limited role. There was sense Howard realized he hit "rock bottom" and had been humbled. Still they'll judge him on actions, not words. He's been warned.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 23, 2019
Howard has clashed with coaches and teammates in the past, and the Lakers sought out the opinions of key veterans before agreeing to sign him. It’s clear that the veteran center has little leverage, and the Lakers hold the cards here. If he starts causing problems, he’ll be gone.
