Dwight Howard shares emotional insight on Lakers departure after 2020 championship
Dwight Howard’s journey with the Los Angeles Lakers took a surprising turn following the team’s triumphant 2020 NBA Championship run. As the Lakers celebrated their 17th title, Howard, who played a crucial role in that success, found himself grappling with the reality of his exit from the franchise.
A Memorable Championship Season
The 2019-20 season marked a significant chapter in Lakers history, culminating in a title that was as exhilarating as it was hard-earned. Amid the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Lakers showcased their depth and talent, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading an impressive roster. Complementing the star duo were key contributors like Alex Caruso, Danny Green, Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo, and Howard himself. After rejoining the team in August 2019, Howard not only sought redemption but also thrived in a supportive role, rejuvenating his career and helping the Lakers secure the coveted championship.
The Unraveling of a Promising Future
Despite the elation of winning the title, Howard’s off-court experience took a disheartening turn in the offseason. Reflecting on his departure, he recounted a moment of sheer disappointment. After initially being told a contract was in place and even expressing his excitement on social media, reality struck when his agent delivered the unexpected news: the Lakers had rescinded the offer.
“I was told that there was a contract and then I was so happy that I heard I was coming back,” Howard shared. “Then my agent called me back and said, ‘Hey. The Lakers took the contract off the table. You gotta take that tweet down.’ I was like, ‘Damn! Why would they do that?’ It really kind of messed with me because I’m like, ‘I came in with the right attitude towards winning… just worried about us winning another championship.’”
His disappointment was palpable as he expressed regret over not being able to defend the title with a team he believed had the potential to dominate for years. “I was highly upset that I didn’t get a chance to compete for a title defense because I believed that we had a special team and we had a window where we could’ve won and been to the NBA Finals multiple years,” Howard added.
A New Chapter in Philadelphia
Ultimately, the fallout from his Lakers tenure led Howard back to the Eastern Conference, where he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2020-21 season. His time with the Lakers, while impactful, was cut short, but Howard continued to make his mark in the league. During his final season in Los Angeles, he appeared in 69 games and averaged 7.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks, all while shooting an impressive 72.9 percent from three-point range.
As Howard prepares for his Hall of Fame induction, his legacy with the Lakers remains a testament to his resilience and talent. The bittersweet nature of his departure serves as a reminder of the complexities athletes face beyond the court, where dreams and realities often collide in unexpected ways.
