Lakers big man Dwight Howard gets surprising support from Kobe Bryant

Years after a disappointing first tour of duty with the Lakers, center Dwight Howard is back in Hollywood. While he’s no longer a superstar, Howard, 33, has so far excelled in his role off the bench, providing L.A. with solid defense and rebounding.

One of his biggest supporters? Kobe Bryant. The former teammates’ bad blood from their lone season together has been well-documented from both sides. Bryant had labeled Howard "soft" while the big man has said he detested the former MVP. 

However, watching from afar this time, Bryant is thrilled for Howard’s recent success.

“I’m happy for him because sometimes we don’t realize how much we love the game and miss the game until that window starts closing or its closed,” Bryant said to Arash Markazi of the Los Angeles Times. “Then you’re like, ‘Oh damn, I really miss playing the game. I want another opportunity to show what I can do.’ Sometimes you don’t know if that opportunity will ever come again. 

"For him, I really believe he’s appreciative of the opportunity and I think he’s going to make a hell of an impact because of the new appreciation he has for playing the game.”

There are more Lakers notes:

• The acquisition of Anthony Davis has propelled the Lakers into playoffs discussions given the pairing with LeBron James. However, the Davis is content doing less in Los Angeles so that he and James can both impact the game, reports Brett Dawson of The Athletic.
• There has been a lot of chatter about Davis and whether or not he’s more effective playing the power forward or center positions. Kyle Goon of the Orange County Register says L.A.’s best lineup may include Davis at center and that the return of power forward Kyle Kuzma only further accentuates that point.
• Speaking of Kuzma, he made his season debut Friday night, totaling nine points and three rebounds in nearly 19 minutes. Head coach Frank Vogel has noted that the team will be patient with Kuzma as he reintegrates himself. “It’ll be a little bit of a learning curve for him, but hopefully it doesn’t take too long,” Vogel said.