Dwight Howard: Russell Westbrook is 'underappreciated'

Russell Westbrook has been called many things over the course of his NBA career. Talented? Yes. Defiant? That, too. Underappreciated? He has now.

That's the word new Lakers teammate Dwight Howard used when discussing Westbrook in his introductory press conference this week.

“He’s played with superstars before," Howard said via SB Nation. "He’s played with KD and James (Harden), he’s played with Bradley Beal, he’s played with so many superstars... I think he has been underappreciated. I think all of us, really, have been underappreciated."

The Lakers have been under plenty of scrutiny this offseason as LeBron James and company continue to add as many big-name players as possible. The choice to acquire Westbrook, in particular, has raised eyebrows given his long history of letting his attitude overshadow his accomplishments on the court.

Howard, however, thinks Westbrook adds a winning ingredient.

"I know that we appreciate each other. We all appreciate what we each bring to the table for this team,” Howard continued. “So I think having a guy like Russ is going to get you 15, 16, 20 points a night. He’s going to get you 12 rebounds, he’s going to get you 10 assists, and he’s going to play 110% every single night. How can you not appreciate that? So I’m gonna tell you: ‘I appreciate you, Russ!’ And we ain’t even played a game on the same team yet."

Westbrook averaged 22.2 points, 11.7 assists and 11.5 rebounds on 43.9% field goal shooting this past season in his only campaign with the Washington Wizards.