Lakers Dwight Howard
Photo: Nelson Chenault/USA TODAY Sports

Dwight Howard opened up about the Los Angeles Lakers advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010.

Howard and the Lakers closed out the series against the Denver Nuggets (4-1), after their 107-117 victory in Game 5.

“I just promised myself if I ever got a chance to get back, I was going to give everything I got,” Howard, who had nine points and nine rebounds in the contest, told reporters afterwards.

Howard will play in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2009, when the Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic.