Will Dwight Howard be back with the Lakers next season? Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Dwight Howard would 'love to play for Lakers again' but it'll come at a price

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 11/18/20

After winning a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dwight Howard, who now is a free agent, is letting teams around the NBA know that his services are going to come at a price.

The 34-year-old admitted that he wants to return to L.A. next season, but also claims that he deserves a more substantial deal than the minimum contract he signed with the Lakers last summer.

Dwight Howard on FA: "I would love to come back and play for the Lakers again. Hopefully, this year, they give me a contract; that's the biggest thing. I don't want to play for free anymore. This year, it was like, 'OK, I'll do whatever.' But I think I've earned... a contract." pic.twitter.com/DuzNqg6EQi
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) November 18, 2020

Howard played for just $2.6 million last season, so it's no surprise that he's searching for a deal worth more money.

While the Lakers are reportedly interested in keeping him around, general manager Rob Pelinka will have to be willing to empty out his pockets in order to so, and it won't be easy.

The eight-time All-Star has been linked to several teams this offseason, including the Golden State Warriors, who could use the big man if they don't end up selecting one with the second-overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft on Wednesday night.

Howard averaged 7.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 0.7 assists last season while shooting 72.9% from the field and 60% from deep.

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