Regardless of the variations in perspective, Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard had a whole lot of respect for one another. Throughout Bryant’s passing, Howard took his time to replicate on the legacy that the Black Mamba left.
On the “All The Smoke” podcast, Dwight Howard shared his preliminary reactions to Kobe Bryant’s tragic demise. He stated:
“I get up and I look it stated Kobe died. I am like, get the f**okay out of right here.
“So, I get up AD LeBron. I begin waking them up like, ‘Yo, bro. Kobe died'”.
Howard continued:
“I’m going to the toilet and I simply begin crying for like 20 minutes. I am unable to imagine it. And I began eager about his daughters. They are going to don’t have any father there.”
Dwight Howard was the very best middle within the NBA in his prime. In his early days within the league, he single-handedly carried the Orlando Magic to 6 straight playoff appearances, together with the 2009 playoffs the place they reached the Finals. As an old-school huge man, the eight-time All-Star obliterated the paint and posterized virtually everybody who tried to cease him.
Within the 2012-13 season, Howard joined the LA Lakers and shaped a superteam. Folks have been anticipating this roster to rival towards the Miami Warmth. That did not occur for quite a lot of causes. Firstly, the well being of most gamers on that Lakers staff was on the decline.
Secondly, chemistry points between Dwight Howard, Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant triggered the staff to lose its composure. Lastly, the perspective of most gamers did not match with the “Mamba Mentality”.
In spite of everything that had occurred, Howard returned to the Lakers in 2020. Now a task participant, the eight-time All-NBA joined a staff that was led by LeBron James. They capped their season off by successful the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Which groups may signal Dwight Howard this season?
The 2022-23 NBA season is about to start out in a number of weeks, however Dwight Howard remains to be a free agent. As a rim-running huge man who can defend, groups ought to think about Howard as an possibility. There are a ton of groups that would presumably use his providers. Let’s check out a few of them:
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns nonetheless have their core intact. Nevertheless, they just lately misplaced backup middle JaVale McGee to rivals — the Dallas Mavericks. Including Dwight Howard would enhance the bench’s protection. His tenacity will assist the staff at any time when Deandre Ayton is on the bench.
LA Clippers
Being one of the stacked groups within the NBA, the LA Clippers may nonetheless use yet one more middle. Ivica Zubac is the one middle that they’ve and it is clear that they like enjoying small ball at occasions. Nevertheless, having the three-time Defensive Participant of the Yr may very well be their key to successful the title.
LA Lakers
It may be argued that the Lakers have one of many worst rosters within the league proper now. They’ve an abundance of guards that will be preventing for the beginning spot. Howard’s addition may show to be useful, particularly on protection.