Dwight Howard Advocates for Second Chance
The Los Angeles Lakers have followed the anticipated path and relieved head coach Darvin Ham and his entire coaching staff of their duties, including assistant coach and player development head Phil Handy. Former Lakers center Dwight Howard seems to have renewed hope, serenading Lakers owner Jeanie Buss with a plea: “Give the Lakers another chance, Jeanie~ Give me one more chance~”
Howard’s Playoff Observations
Howard has been closely monitoring the Lakers’ playoff performance this year. After the Lakers avoided a sweep with a win in Game 4 against the Nuggets, Howard wrote on X platform: “Three games left, let’s go!” Following the Lakers’ elimination in Game 5 against the Nuggets, Howard expressed, “They shouldn’t have dismantled that team; we could have easily three-peated.”
Lakers’ Roster and Trades
The Lakers’ championship roster in 2020 featured LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Danny Green, Alex Caruso, Markieff Morris, Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee, and J.R. Smith. However, a major trade in August 2021 brought Russell Westbrook to the Lakers while sending away Caldwell-Pope and Kuzma. Additionally, Carmelo Anthony joined the team, and Howard returned. Despite these changes, the Lakers failed to qualify for the playoffs.
Howard’s Future
Howard claimed last summer that he could meet the needs of “15 to 20 NBA teams” but ended up unsigned by any NBA team and opted to join the Puerto Rican Superior National Basketball League (BSN).
Lakers’ Postseason Exit and Coaching Change
The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets in the first round four days ago. Today, the team announced the dismissal of head coach Darvin Ham.
Pelinka’s Statement
Rob Pelinka, Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations, expressed gratitude for Ham’s efforts and acknowledged his achievements over the past two seasons, including leading the team to the Western Conference Finals last year. Pelinka stated that while the decision was difficult, it was the best course of action after a comprehensive evaluation of the season. He reassured fans that the team remains committed to delivering championship-caliber basketball. (55BMW)