Dwight Howard believes he can still contribute in the NBA and says he would average double digits if given another opportunity with the Los Angeles Lakers.
In an exclusive interview with Basketball Insiders, the eight-time All-Star said he sees himself scoring “10-to-12 points a game” despite being 39 years old.
Howard, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, hasn’t ruled out a comeback but admits that his family currently comes first.
“It would be tough right now because of my kids,” Howard said, “but of course” he would consider a return if the situation is right.
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year also discussed a hypothetical pick-and-roll pairing with Luka Doncic, who joined the Lakers via trade in February.
“Luka would score every time — we’ll get a bucket every time,” Howard said.
Howard described his screens as “deadly” and predicted they would give Doncic more freedom and force defenses to collapse at the rim.
“My screens would be so good and Luka will have so much freedom coming off them that it will open up his game to a new level,” Howard explained.
Howard last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season with the Lakers, averaging 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in a reserve role.
The Lakers are currently the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference after finishing 50–32, led by Doncic and LeBron James.
Howard said the possibility of playing as an active Hall of Famer would be “crazy” and “history,” calling it a headline-making moment for the league.
“That would be big news, the first active Hall of Famer to play in the NBA,” Howard said.
