Dwight Howard’s time with the Los Angeles Lakers was a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. The star center had high expectations when he joined the team in 2012, but unfortunately, things didn’t turn out as expected. However, in a recent podcast episode of D12’s Above The Rim, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss revealed a different side to Howard’s time with the team, one that may have been better than it seemed.
Buss and Howard discussed the center’s time with the Lakers, and Buss shared that former Lakers coach and Howard’s ex-fiance, Phil Jackson, had positive feelings towards Howard. This revelation sheds light on a different perspective of Howard’s time with the Lakers and raises the question, could it have been better than it turned out to be?
When Howard joined the Lakers in 2012, it was seen as a major move for the team. The Lakers were coming off a disappointing season, and Howard’s arrival was expected to turn things around. However, things didn’t go as planned. Injuries and chemistry issues plagued the team, and they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
But according to Buss, Jackson, who was the Lakers’ coach at the time, had high hopes for Howard. Buss shared that Jackson believed Howard could be the next great Lakers center, following in the footsteps of legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal. This revelation is a testament to Howard’s potential and the belief that the Lakers organization had in him.
Unfortunately, things didn’t work out for Howard and the Lakers. The center’s time with the team was marred by injuries and a lack of chemistry with his teammates. He was also criticized for his attitude and work ethic, which led to tension within the team. However, Buss’s revelation shows that there may have been more to Howard’s time with the Lakers than what was seen on the surface.
It’s no secret that Howard’s time with the Lakers was a difficult one. He faced criticism from fans and media alike, and his relationship with the team and its fans was strained. But Buss’s revelation gives a glimpse of a different side to Howard’s time with the Lakers, one that may have been overshadowed by the team’s struggles.
Buss also shared that Jackson wanted to bring Howard back to the Lakers in 2013, but the center ultimately chose to sign with the Houston Rockets. This decision caused a rift between Howard and the Lakers organization, and it seemed like there was no going back. However, Buss’s revelation shows that there may have been a chance for reconciliation between Howard and the Lakers.
In the podcast episode, Howard also expressed his regret for not being able to fulfill the expectations that came with being a Lakers player. He acknowledged that he could have done better and that he was grateful for the opportunity to play for such a prestigious organization. This shows Howard’s growth and maturity, and it’s clear that he has fond memories of his time with the Lakers.
Buss’s revelation may have come as a surprise to many, but it also serves as a reminder that things are not always as they seem. Howard’s time with the Lakers may have been a difficult one, but it’s clear that there were positive aspects to it as well. Jackson’s belief in Howard’s potential and Buss’s admiration for him show that there was more to his time with the Lakers than just the struggles.
In the end, Howard’s time with the Lakers may not have lived up to the expectations, but it’s clear that there was a mutual respect and admiration between him and the organization. Buss’s revelation serves as a reminder that sometimes, things don’t work out as planned, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t any positives to take away from the experience.
As Howard continues his NBA journey with the Philadelphia 76ers, it’s clear that his time with the Lakers has played a significant role in shaping him as a player and a person. And while it may not have been the perfect ride, it’s clear that Howard’s time with the Lakers was a valuable learning experience that he will always cherish.
In conclusion, Buss’s revelation about Jackson’s feelings towards Howard sheds a new light on the center’s time with the Lakers. It shows that there may have been more to his time with the team than what was seen on the surface. And while it’s easy to focus on the struggles