Ex-Lakers champion clears the air on chances of playing alongside LeBron James after pleading Jeanie Buss for roster spot

Dwight Howard pleaded with Jeanie Buss for “one more chance” to play with LeBron James and the LA Lakers in mid-October. In "Above The Rim with DH12," Howard told the team governor that he was “in shape for basketball.” Nothing came out of the conversation as the 2020 champion with the Lakers remained in Asia, where he has been playing since 2022.

Recently, Superman went on Instagram Live, where some fans asked him about his future in basketball. When somebody urged him to return to the Lakers, Howard responded (via Landon Buford):

“I’m not; y’all got three centers. Hell, y’all got Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar). I think Shaq (O’Neal) said he’s coming back with his ret***** a**, and then y’all will be good after that.”

In the podcast, Dwight Howard told Jeanie Buss that he was “sad” he couldn’t return to play with the LA Lakers following the 2020 championship. Buss countered by saying that he couldn’t return because he had already signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year winner responded that somebody told him the Lakers wouldn’t sign him again.

Howard eventually returned to LA for the 2021-22 season, which was a disaster for the team. With D12, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Carmelo Anthony, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo and Austin Reaves, the Lakers finished 11th in the Western Conference. Superman did not announce his retirement but took his talents to Taiwan, his base over the last few years.

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Jeanie Buss has not signed a center despite injury woes

For over roughly two months, Anthony Davis has been the only healthy center for the LA Lakers. Christian Wood (knee) has not played yet. Reports have surfaced that Wood has only just started on-court workouts with no definite timetable for a return.

Jaxson Hayes has played just 11 games this season due to different injuries. He is dealing with an ankle issue but might return on Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The injury woes prompted fans to ask whether Dwight Howard was on the way to reinforce the frontline.

Despite the thin frontline, Jeanie Buss’ team has not traded for a center to shore up the position. Instead, the Lakers added Dorian Finney-Smith, a forward, and Shake Milton, a combo guard. Buss and the team are betting on Anthony Davis to remain healthy for the season.