Center Dwight Howard. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Dwight Howard returns to Lakers in NBA free agency

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 8/2/21

Dwight Howard is now headed back to the Los Angeles Lakers for his third stint with the organization. After a one-year hiatus to play with the Philadelphia 76ers, the 35-year-old Howard has opted to return to Southern California.

Free agent center Dwight Howard has agreed to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, his agent Qais Haider tells @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 2, 2021

The eight-time All-Star left Los Angeles after helping the team earn the NBA title in 2020. He responded by averaging 7.0 points and 8.4 rebounds in a mere 17.3 minutes of action for Philadelphia last season.

While Dwight Howard is no longer the player we saw during his heyday from 2006-14, he can still contribute to the success of a contending team.

For the Lakers, this move comes after they signed fellow veterans Wayne Ellington and Trevor Ariza to open free agency. Prior to that, the 2020 champions acquired Russell Westbrook in a blockbuster trade with the Washington Wizards.

It’s now becoming increasingly clear that veteran players want to join LeBron James in Southern California. The Dwight Howard news adds another layer to this.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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