Dwight Howard Wanted to Return to Lakers, LA Wouldn't Give Him Multiyear Contract

If the Los Angeles Lakers had offered him a multiyear contract, he would have returned to the team.

Howard said he would return to the Lakers. I'm willing to return. They told me that they wouldn't give anyone over 30 years of age a contract. I helped the NBA win the title. You can either give your boy a mil or give me one. I do not want a lot of time. Allow me to go out for 20 minutes.

While with the Lakers, Howard played in 18 playoff games and helped the team win an NBA title. After a year with the Philadelphia 76ers, he came back to Los Angeles and averaged 6.1 points and 5.9 rebound per game.

The veteran failed to secure a new contract for the 2022-23 campaign and instead decided to play for the Taiwanese team.

A quality offer from an NBA team wasn't enough for the 36-year-old to consider a move to World Wrestling Entertainment.

It's reasonable to ask for $1-2 million after earning $2.6 million with the Lakers.

Howard started 27 of the 60 games he played last year. He provided valuable interior defense with a resume that included eight All-Star selections and three Defensive Player of the Year awards.

After falling to just 2-8 on the season, the Lakers could use this production in 2022-23.

With only two other options at center, Anthony Davis has played more time at the position, but there is not much else to choose from.