Dwight Howard has taken fans, journalists, and executives alike on one heck of a ride for the past few months. The NBA’s most prolific center has begun to agitate fans with his constant indecision. Because of that (not to mention also being allegedly involved in getting a great coach in Van Gundy fired), we may finally be able to rejoice. Dwight Howard may have finally made up his mind. Maybe. Very likely…possibly.
The truth is, as we’ve learned, we never quite know what Howard (or any player for that matter) is thinking. What we can do, thankfully, is some prospective analysis. The latest from Real GM’s Jarrod Rudolph is that Dwight is willing to sign long term with LA, if traded. Let’s suppose that the Lakers were to acquire Howard and he signed long term. What does that mean for the Lake show?
The Lakers are building up for a title run in the immediate future. LA seems to want to make the most of Kobe’s remaining time as a Laker and earn another championship. The goal is understandable, and the moves have been efficient (acquiring Steve Nash and Antawn Jamison). But how much does Dwight actually help in winning the immediate battle against the OKC Thunder, were he to join the Lakers?
In my opinion, Dwight Howard potentially makes the Lakers very interesting. You throw the NBA’s best big into the fray with Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant, and all we can see are glorious lobs and pick-and-roll action. But Howard’s addition basically only makes the Lakers just that, interesting. The Lakers have a giant standing in the way of their title hopes: The OKC Thunder.
When the Thunder and Lakers squared off in last year’s Western Conference semi-finals, there was a clear difference in quality. Any one in a Laker jersey who happened to see the unfortunate duty of guarding Durant seemed outmatched. Gasol had trouble making any kind of efficient contribution. Perkins and Ibaka combined to form a front court that made LA’s bigs look feeble. James Harden tapped Colangelo’s shoulder every time he hit the court. Finally, we can’t forget LA’s many troublesome encounters with this guy.
The Thunder also have the advantage of Kendrick Perkins. Dwight Howard is clearly the more talented player, by far. But what Perkins lacks in raw talent, he makes up for in defensive discipline. Perkins doesn’t have athleticism that jumps out at you, but there’s a reason he was touted by arguably the league’s most athletic team. He brings to the floor a defensive grit and a professional commitment. Perkins, in my opinion, is the league’s 3rd best defensive big (behind Howard and Chandler). When you consider Perkins’ defensive acumen, and the fact that Howard no longer would have as many shooters around him, you see just how limited the Lakers would be in their title ambitions.
The Lakers Still Need Answers Against OKC’s Big Three
Photo Credit: Alex Brandon/ AP
There is no question that the addition of Howard would make LA much, much better. But, with the young, athletic, match-up nightmare that is OKC waiting in the wings, the Lakers (in the context of the play-offs) would still only be “interesting”.
