Dwight Howard Talks Lakers and Kobe Bryant in Recent Interview
Former Lakers Star Compares Playing with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James
Multi-time Defensive Player of the Year and 2020 champion Dwight Howard recently shared insights on both of his stints with the Lakers. In a tweet from ClutchPoints, Howard was quoted discussing the differences between playing with Kobe Bryant during his first tenure in Los Angeles and his current teammate, LeBron James.
The comparison is intriguing, given the well-documented tension between Kobe Bryant and the big man, even after Howard left LA for the Houston Rockets on a new journey.
Back then, the Lakers assembled a star-studded lineup, pairing Howard with veteran point guard Steve Nash, All-Star power forward Pau Gasol, and defensive stalwart Metta World Peace. They aimed to become the next superteam, following in the footsteps of the Heatles and Boston’s Big 3.
However, the 2012-13 season turned out to be disastrous for the purple and gold. Injuries plagued the team, hindering chemistry and cohesion among the players. The heavy load on Kobe Bryant’s shoulders took a toll, leading to an Achilles injury that ultimately ended his season.
It’s no surprise to Lakers fans to hear about Howard’s issues with Kobe’s intense personality. On the other hand, Howard seems to prefer LeBron’s more laid-back approach.
After moving around the league, Howard returned to the Lakers, and the team took a chance on the former no. 1 overall pick from 2004. He proved to be a valuable asset, contributing as a solid defender and rim runner coming off the bench.
The 2020 season brought unexpected challenges with the COVID-19 shutdown. However, the Lakers showed their resilience in the bubble and secured their 17th championship in franchise history. Howard’s deep three-pointer in garbage time during the clinching Game 6 against the Heat added a sweet finishing touch.
Championship hardware has a way of making players remember certain situations fondly, and it’s possible that’s the case for the former All-NBA big man when reflecting on his time with the Lakers.
Dwight Howard‘s interview offers a unique perspective on the dynamics of playing with two Lakers legends – Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. It sheds light on the contrasting personalities of these NBA stars and how they impacted his experiences on the court.
