Los Angeles Lakers: Why They Need Dwight Howard Next Year

Brace yourselves, NBA fans. Dwight Howard free agency is coming.

We saw it last year with the long drawn out free agency of Howard, which became known as “the Dwightmare.” He demanded a trade, backed off, complained about the Orlando Magic’s roster, talked about leaving and exploring free agency nearly the whole season, asked for a trade to the New Jersey Nets, signed an extension on the day of the 2011-12 trade deadline and basically flip-flopped so many times that the entire nation got sick of his indecision and immaturity. Luckily (or unluckily, looking at the Magic’s 2012-13 record and considering that they still didn’t get the No. 1 pick in the draft), Orlando jumped the gun and sent him off to the Los Angeles Lakers, paving the way for what should have been a championship-contending season for the Lakers.

But then a funny thing happened: The basketball gods deemed that a team of bought superstars was not worthy of title aspirations. In a season filled with disappointing chemistry, frequent injuries and a bench with a clear aversion to resembling anything helpful, the Lakers barely squeaked into the playoffs, where they were easily swept without Kobe Bryant or Steve Nash. Even worse, Dwight Howard added to the public perception of his immature persona, using lame attempts at humor to distract people from his struggling numbers, his rocky relationship with Kobe or the general media storm that still hadn’t died down since the Dwightmare ended. As the final cherry on top, he pulled an Andrew Bynum and got himself ejected from an elimination game when his team needed him to rise up and be held accountable for one of the league’s most prestigious teams.

In short, it’s no wonder Laker fans are still divided on whether or not they even want Dwight Howard back next season. Unfortunately for them, the Lakers need him more than anyone’s willing to admit.

It’s no secret that Howard submitted one of his worst statistical seasons this year in L.A. As Bill Simmons pointed out in his Dwight Howard article, the “self-proclaimed Superman” has peaked already. In 2013, Howard averaged 17.1 points, 12.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. His scoring numbers were as low as his sophomore season and Howard hasn’t averaged less than 13 rebounds per game in his last five seasons. It’s no secret that Howard’s back surgery during the offseason took away some of his athleticism. Anyone watching a Laker game could tell his dynamic jumping power on both ends of the floor just wasn’t there. But here’s the thing: what team is ready and willing to give up 17.1 points, 12.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game?

There’s an argument to be made about the off-the-court problems that seem to follow Howard everywhere he goes and how they may not be worth his ever-so-slightly declining production. He spent the majority of the season trying to convince everyone everything was great between him and Kobe, cowering from the Lakers’ superstar as much as the prospect of one day becoming the face of this storied franchise. But Laker fans shouldn’t be so quick to condemn him with a dismissive, “Good! Let him sign somewhere else. Good riddance.”

There was so much hype surrounding L.A.’s offseason acquisitions that it seems crazy to be writing this only a year later. But here’s the thing: the Lakers absolutely need Dwight Howard next season. Let’s take a look at their current starting lineup to get a better understanding of why that is. First, we start with the injured and amnesty-possible Kobe Bryant. As much as he says he wants to be ready for the first game of the season, Kobe could miss half the season with his Achilles injury, the same injury that finished off the careers of guys like Shaquille O’Neal Charles Barkley, Isaiah Thomas, Dominique Wilkins, and Chauncey Billups, just to name a few. So although it’s highly unlikely that the Lakers amnesty their long-loved superstar (and save themselves $80 million in luxury taxes in the process), Kobe’s return won’t be imminent and it’s not even guaranteed that he’ll be the same player when he does come back.

Next up is Steve Nash, possibly the biggest disappointment for the Lakers this season. Anyone wondering how guys like Nash and Grant Hill played so long in the NBA only needs to examine the incredible impact of Phoenix’s medical training staff. In the first season away from that medical staff, both players saw their seasons shortened by injury problems. Nash played just 50 games this season, missing nearly half the season and the Lakers’ last two playoff games with hip, hamstring and other nagging injuries. On a team where Kobe needs the ball and Dwight Howard doesn’t run an effective pick-and-roll, what good will a 39-year-old Steve Nash do for the next few years?

That leaves us with Metta World Peace and Pau Gasol, the most likely amnesty targets (because again, it’s highly unlikely they amnesty Kobe). World Peace is only worth $7.7 million, but all he provides the Lakers with is defense and inconsistent shooting. Gasol is a much more talented player who Mike D’Antoni needs to start using better, but he would save the Lakers $19.3 million. So for the start of the season, we’re looking at a banged up Steve Nash (who probably won’t stay healthy), Kobe Bryant most likely on the bench, and Metta World Peace/Pau Gasol, depending on who gets amnestied (if anyone). Suddenly Dwight Howard doesn’t look so bad.

Keeping Dwight Howard won’t come without challenges. First of all, they’ll have to sign him to a five-year deal worth nearly $120 million, but they’re the only team that can offer him that kind of money. Second, there’s no guarantee we aren’t witnessing the beginning of the end for Howard after watching him play like a shadow of himself this past year. Third, he’s clearly not ready for this kind of responsibility. He’s shied away from being “the man” and asking him to take up the helm after Kobe might be a bit too much for him to handle. For Howard, it might be better for him to head to Houston or another smaller market where he wouldn’t have to answer to rabid fans and media. In Houston, he could just hide behind James Harden. In Dallas, he could hide behind Dirk Nowitzki.

But it’s time for Dwight to grow up.

And from the Lakers’ perspective, focusing on one lackluster season would be detrimental to their short- and long-term future. Kobe may not ever be the same, and even if he is, he’s already said he’ll be retiring in a few seasons. Pau Gasol might not be around for much longer. And even if Nash, Kobe and Gasol are all in Laker purple and gold next season, that’s not a championship roster without Dwight Howard. I’d even go as far as say it’s Kobe’s responsibility to reach out to Howard if he wants to ensure his team is taken care of after his time is done. It’s Kobe’s responsibility as the leader of his team and the face of the franchise to help Howard become a man, even if nobody should be babied in this league. Because as bad as his post game and defense was this season, the Lakers can’t afford to let Dwight Howard walk. Not yet.