Even before the season suspension, Dwight Howard proved that at 34, he can still figure significantly in the NBA, and the Lakers were only too happy that the big man will be playing in Orlando this July. Howard matters in the Los Angeles gameplay, but he could be bringing his game elsewhere next season.

Howard's stats in the season may not be jaw-dropping, but the specific role he plays for the Lakers he does with impressive results. The center can deliver, so it's not remote; he still gets the attention of rival teams.

The star will enter free agency in the offseason, and the chance is there he will still be part of the Purple & Gold roster. However, interested parties are likely to make offers, and one could originate from the Warriors.

According to Fadeaway World, citing the report from Fansided, the Warriors' interest on Howard was prompted by his showing this season with the Lakers. In all the games he played, the man proved that every minute on the floor counts and he gives prime importance to his fitness.

"It's easy to see how his prowess as a glass cleaner and finisher around the rim could make him a valued member of the Warriors," the Fansided story was reported as saying.

The suggestion pushed by the report makes sense as Howard indeed has the potential to flourish in the Bay Area. His dominating inside presence works well with the Warriors' core talents of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

The two superstars' deadly shooting from the perimeter will give Howard the room to operate with optimal efficiency within his territory. The big man is free to haul down the ball and protect the rim on the other hand while Curry and Thompson do their usual business.

So Howard donning the Warriors jersey next season is indeed an interesting proposition, but as the same report indicated, the man is also tipped to remain where he's at now. And that's because the Lakers put a premium on Howard's contribution in the season, which likely is the case for next.

Howard's importance was affirmed by fellow Lakers star Danny Green. According to Silver Screen & Roll, Green praised his colleague for being great on and off the floor. The man plays with his ego on check, and his mind focused on the set-goal.

Kyle Kuzma, for his part, characterized Howard as a key piece to the Lakers' gameplay and an overall imposing presence.

"Dwight has been a good spark from us off the bench as a paint protector, and he actually changed a lot of games for us," Kuzma was reported as saying.

Whichever way he goes, it's clear that Howard has a place to play and shine. Yet as he has made clear, the priority at the moment is to realize the goal of winning the first NBA title of the Lakers for years since the Kobe Bryant era.