In a surprising revelation, former Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard learned that the team had a contract offer for him in 2020 after winning his first NBA championship with the Purple and Gold. Howard, who left the Lakers that offseason for the Philadelphia 76ers, discovered the information during a podcast appearance with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss. The conversation between Buss and Howard cleared up a long-standing misunderstanding.
Howard had previously believed that he didn’t receive an offer from the Lakers following the championship run. However, Buss confirmed that the Lakers did, in fact, have an offer on the table for him. This revelation shocked Howard, who took to social media to express his frustration with his former agent, whom he blames for miscommunication that led to him leaving the team.
“I was so shocked to hear the Lakers had an offer for me but my so-called agent told me lies,” Howard wrote on X. He also mentioned, “same agent that cost me $7 million. I’m glad me & Jeanie cleared that up.”
Howard humorously hinted at a potential return to the Lakers, despite being away from the NBA since his 2021-22 season stint with the team. “I know it’s too late but why not… I’m in shape,” Howard added, referring to his current physical condition and readiness to play.
In his tweet, Howard also pointed out that the Lakers are now coached by his former teammate, JJ Redick, and noted that star forward Anthony Davis has expressed reluctance to play center, which was Howard’s position during his time with the Lakers. “AD don’t want to play center no more,” Howard joked, implying that he could fill that role again if given the chance.
Howard’s exit from the Lakers in 2020 was thought to have been due to a lack of communication or interest from the team, leading him to sign a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. In hindsight, Howard’s departure could have been avoided had he known about the contract offer from Los Angeles.
Despite missing out on the 2020 offer, Howard returned to the Lakers for the 2021-22 season, marking his third stint with the franchise. However, his time in the NBA has been on hold since then, as he ventured overseas to play in Taiwan for the Taoyuan Leopards.
