Should The Lakers Re-Sign Dwight Howard?

Dwight Howard was a key interior figure for this Los Angeles Lakers team.

Many questions were surrounding Dwight Howard prior to the 2019 NBA season.

As he became a journeyman later in the year, multiple analysts questioned his love for the game.

In fact, in his first stint with the Lakers, Kobe Bryant wasn’t very pleased with Dwight’s effort.

But, Dwight proved his naysayers wrong by producing for the Lakers on both sides of the floor.

The question remains, will the Lakers resign Dwight Howard?

Or, should I say, it is worth resigning Dwight?

Is It Worth Resigning Dwight Howard?

Dwight Howard proved his worth to the Lakers this season, averaging 18.9 minutes per game, scoring 7.5 points and grabbing 7.3 rebounds.

Perhaps, his immediate impact, was helping Anthony Davis.

When the Lakers made the blockbuster trade for AD, he made it clear to them that he did want to play the center position.

The Lakers brought in veteran big man JaVale McGee and also signed Dwight Howard to a 1 year, $2.5 million deal.

Everyone take a moment and listen to Dwight Howard.

Nothing but respect. ✊pic.twitter.com/CiG404qPPh

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 12, 2020

“Don’t ever give up on your dreams”, Howard uttered on an Instagram live after the Lakers won the NBA Championship.

Howard, in his 16th year, is now an NBA Champion.

While the Lakers were pleased with his production and effort on the defensive end, it will ultimately come down to how much money Dwight wants.

Lakers Cap Issues

Another important element in all of this, is to keep in mind that the Lakers are already cap struck.

They have been rumored in many trade headlines featuring the likes of Chris Paul and Bradley Beal.

If they were to trade for one of those players, the only possible way for them to bring back Dwight would be if he accepted another cheap contract.

While that cannot be dismissed, there will be other teams who are able to offer Howard more money.

The Golden State Warriors have emerged as a team who is interested in the big man.

The Warriors reportedly have interest in signing Dwight Howard in free agency, but Howard and the Lakers have “mutual interest” in a new contract.https://t.co/zCGJBEC3kw pic.twitter.com/VTaPwGA892

— Silver Screen & Roll (@LakersSBN) October 15, 2020

Outside of LeBron James and AD — when he eventually resigns with the Lakers — the Lakers next biggest contract is Danny Green ($15 million).

Danny Green and Kyle Kuzma have been rumored to be a package deal in a potential Lakers trade.

The Lakers will need to focus on filling out their roster this offseason.

Rajon Rondo and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are set to hit the market.

GM Rob Pelinka did a fantastic job of assessing the needs and making the necessary moves in the last offseason.

But, as it pertains to Dwight Howard, the only way he will return to this team is if he is willing to take a contract that is less than $4 million.

If he is willing, then it is a no brainer as AD and Dwight are a nightmare for opposing teams.