Lakers News: Warriors Decide Against Signing Dwight Howard, NBA Return Still In Play

The ex-Laker is still hoping for an NBA comeback.

Following an eventful season in Taiwan's T1 League, former three-time (non-consecutively) Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard appears to remain eager for a stateside return.

The 6'10" former All-Star, 37, logged his most recent NBA minutes with LA during its ill-fated 2021-22 season as a key reserve behind starter Anthony Davis. But don't hold the Lakers' team failings against Howard, who actually once again submitted a nice run as a rim-rolling backup big. DeAndre Jordan, who was far worse and was ultimately cut by LA, continues to sign NBA contracts with ease even now, in part due to his apparent locker room lovability, although probably also thanks to his being three years Howard's junior. 

The Golden State Warriors still seem to need some more depth beyond incumyybent big men Draymond Green and Kevon Looney, plus new floor-spacing addition Dario Saric. To that end, they reportedly brought Howard in for a workout. 

Unfortunately, Shams Charania of The Athletic just announced that the three-time Defensive Player of the Year will have to look elsewhere for his next NBA contract:

Golden State Warriors' decision on signing a vet center such as Dwight Howard: pic.twitter.com/a04oOXdhfF

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 22, 2023

"The Warriors are not expected to sign Dwight Howard, or another veteran center, ahead of training camp, sources tell me," Charania announced. "Howard had a two-day visit with the Warriors this week that included meetings and workouts, but the Warriors are expected now to maintain flexibility to sign a potential big man later in camp, or into the regular season. So expect Howard to discuss a potential return to the league with any other interested team in the coming week or so."

It's a pretty dramatic shift, as Howard had just worked out with Warriors stars Draymond Green and Chris Paul (and Chicago Bulls All-Star DeMar DeRozan) in Los Angeles the day before Charania's reveal. 

Despite his advanced age and decreased athleticism, Howard remains a solid defensive and putback option in the paint, and can give a contender 10 good minutes (and six hard fouls, plus countless picks) a night.

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