Lakers News: Former LA Champ Applauds Dwight Howard For Move To Taiwan

And, as usual, weighs in on the Hall of Fame conversation.

After failing to receive any nibbles in free agency during the summer of 2022, three-time ex-Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard opted to go international. He had spent 18 prolific seasons in the NBA for seven franchises, being named to eight All-Star and All-NBA teams and winning the 2020 finals with LA. He had achieved plenty in a clear Hall of Fame career.

The 6'10" big man is set to embark on his second season with Taiwanese club the Taoyuan Leopards. In 2022-23, he was named an All-T1 League First Teamer, a T1 League All-Defensive First Teamer, a T1 League All-Timer, and the T1 League Most Valuable Import, amongst other accolades.

Another well-traveled former Lakers champ, 6'11" reserve power forward/center John Salley, has applauded Howard's locale choice for continuing his career.

Salley spoke with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson on the latter's YouTube show Scoop B Selects regarding the three-time Defensive Player of the Year.

Howard "is the best thing EVER to come out of Atlanta," Salley raved. "I love that cat. He was so smart about what he did in Taiwan. This is what’s funny: China is very, very, VERY important to the NBA and for him to play in Taiwan while they’re having their little spiff going on is simple. But I really think that Dwight improved his understanding of this world by going over and playing in another place. He embraced it and was showing his charismatic way of being, I think it was a really good move on his part."

When asked if Dwight Howard was a Hall of Famer (which, again, he absolutely is, unquestionably), Salley chuckled.

"Well… I’m in the Hall of Fame four times! That’s my final answer!" Salley exclaimed.

Salley is of course referring to his four NBA titles. He won twice with the Detroit Pistons in 1989 (against the Lakers, sadly) and 1990, once with the Chicago Bulls in 1996, and once with the Lakers of course in 2000. Across 11 NBA seasons, the Georgia Tech product boasts modest averages of 7.0 points on 50.6% shooting and 4.5 rebounds, which belie his impact on the chemistry of several legendary dynastic franchises.

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