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Dwight Howard Won over LeBron James and Anthony Davis with this Workout for the Lakers

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Dwight Howard successfully pivoted his career trajectory by winning over the Los Angeles Lakers’ star-led locker room during a high-stakes summer audition.

Following the season-ending ACL tear sustained by DeMarcus Cousins in mid-August 2019, the Los Angeles Lakers faced an urgent vacancy in their frontcourt. Dwight Howard, looking to rewrite the narrative of his previous, tumultuous 2012-13 season with the team, secured a spot on the roster after an exhaustive series of meetings and a standout workout at the team’s El Segundo practice facility.

• Howard signed a one-year, non-guaranteed “Exhibit 9” contract on August 26, 2019, worth $2.56 million, placing the burden of proof entirely on his performance.
• To improve mobility and reduce back strain for a modern defensive scheme, Howard arrived at his audition having shed approximately 25 pounds.
• His impact was clear during a November 3 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, where he tallied 14 points and 13 rebounds on a perfect 7-of-7 shooting night.

The Audition and Personnel Buy-In

Howard approached his Los Angeles Lakers audition with an intensity that surprised organizational staff, arriving at the facility a day earlier than scheduled. The turning point of his recruitment occurred during a series of meetings with a player leadership group that included LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Rajon Rondo. Howard acknowledged his past failures in the city and explicitly pledged to accept a “star in your role” capacity, prioritizing rebounding, rim protection, and defensive grit over the high-volume post-up touches he demanded in his prime.

Howard convinced the stars of his “redemption” mindset by acknowledging past failures and committing to a secondary, “star in your role” capacity.

Defensive Anchoring

The tactical success of the move has been evident throughout the early portion of the 2019-20 season. By serving as an anchor for the second unit, Howard has allowed Anthony Davis to avoid the heavy wear and tear of guarding traditional centers, facilitating a more efficient defensive rotation for the team. His leaner, faster build has proven capable of sustaining the high-energy defensive intensity demanded by the coaching staff.

Contractual Terms

The “Exhibit 9” deal essentially serves as a performance-based trial, giving the team the leverage to release him without significant financial consequences if his production or locker room fit deteriorates. While his performance through mid-November has quieted skeptics who questioned his place in the current NBA, his future remains tied to his ability to maintain this level of defensive consistency.

Howard’s contract becomes fully guaranteed if he is still on the roster on January 7, a deadline that puts the pressure on him to keep producing alongside JaVale McGee as the Lakers look toward their upcoming slate of road games.