Dwight Howard’s third stint with Lakers is likely over

It seems that eight-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard’s time with the Lakers is over. Former NBA executive turned ESPN analyst Bobby Marks detailed on Aug. 2 that the Nets, Warriors and Clippers are the top landing spots for Howard:

“On paper, the answer is Brooklyn, but the likelihood is that we see Ben Simmons playing the majority of minutes at center. The Nets also have Nic Claxton and Day'Ron Sharpe in a backup role. Golden State could use Howard but only if James Wiseman suffers a setback and Andre Iguodala retires. The Clippers need size, but because of tax implications, they will likely not carry 15 guaranteed contracts to start the season.”

Marks also wrote that Howard’s last year with the Lakers was less than ideal, not just for basketball reasons:

“From getting in a shoving match during a timeout with Anthony Davis in the second game of the season to being snubbed from the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, it never came together in Howard's third stint with the Lakers. And with Jordan, Davis and James getting the lion's share of the minutes at center, he never found a consistent role.”

Howard’s third stint with the Lakers had mixed results. The one-time NBA champion averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds over 16.2 minutes in 60 games (27 starts). With his experience and strong defense, Howard can be a valuable bench player in a team’s frontcourt, especially if it has young guys who can learn from him.