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Los Angeles Lakers: Grading their moves during NBA free agency

By Matthew Hallett

Aug 10, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Russell Westbrook is introduced at Los Angeles Lakers press conference at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Russell Westbrook is introduced at Los Angeles Lakers press conference at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Lakers NBA free agency move No. 5: Dwight Howard

In a move that feels a little bit like getting the band back together, the Lakers signed Dwight Howard after a year of playing with the Philadelphia 76ers. The biggest problem that the Lakers have is that Howard is a little less effective than he was a season ago when he left.

Howard’s numbers still look good from last season, averaging 7.0 points and 8.4 rebounds in 17.3 minutes per game. However, he was less efficient last season going at 58.7 percent from the field as opposed to 72.9 percent when he was with the Lakers last time.

What the numbers do not show you is that he is a step slower on the defensive end. His once vaunter rim protection was no match for the rookie Onyeka Okongwu during the Eastern Conference semi-finals series. This does not bode well for his defense another season on, and his body being another year older.

Howard and DeAndre Jordan are going to split the duties at the center position. It feels as though Jordan should get most of the minutes given that he is younger and his body is more able to defend starter-level players. This is especially so as they will be playing for a title meaning that will be trying to defend the best of the best.

Grade: C-

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