The status is now clear - Dwight Howard said he will be part of the Lakers squad that will take part in the Orlando bubble games starting on July 30. The team flies to Florida on Thursday and the big man intends to meet his teammates there.
Howard's decision came following weeks of speculations that he would skip the NBA season restart. The center joined a recent online call arranged by Kyrie Irving that called on members of the NBPA to snub the Orlando games as support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Avery Bradley, Howard's Lakers teammate, answered the call but Howard held off deciding on the matter until this week. It appeared that his decision to play was partly on the belief that the Lakers have a big chance to win the NBA title this season, and Howard wouldn't want to miss the boat.
Also, the big man in Orlando will allow him to collect a paycheck that according to him will be donated to charity in full.
ESPN said Howard's estimated salary for appearing on the Disney World Resort will be around $700,000. The Lakers star has made clear that the entire amount will go to Breathe Again, an initiative that was formed in 2015.
Howard said in a statement: "I have a contractual obligation to my teammates, to my fans, the Lakers, the organization and everyone, but at the same time, I also have an obligation to my family and to my community."
The 34-year-old also granted an interview with CNN and there he issued an assurance that his taking part in the NBA restart will be used to promote the protest movements on racial injustices and social unrest.
Howard vowed that through the course of action that he will make, people will be reminded of the prevailing situation in the United States.
As for the game, the Lakers center admitted it's hard to pass up on the promise that his team could bring home the Larry O'Brien from Orlando. Howard said his team has "a great opportunity," to win the championship and he figured he has got to be there.
Howard playing is good news for the Lakers. Silver Screen & Roll said the big man in Orlando is boon to the Lakers' cause. For one, there will be no need to look for a replacement but reports have suggested that Los Angeles could tap DeMarcus Cousins to step in place of Howard.
Most importantly, the development is welcome as the Lakers can now focus on preparing for the playoffs with Bradley's spot already taken by J.R. Smith. With the roster complete, the team is all geared up for a war that hopefully will end as predicted by Howard.
