Lakers News: Frank Vogel Discusses Dwight Howard’s ‘Terrific’ Performance Against Kings
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel has been heavily experimenting with his roster in recent weeks with Dwight Howard the latest player to see his role changing rapidly.

Howard averages 5.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in 14.7 minutes on the floor this season. The 35-year-old center has played in 20 games this season, coming off the bench in each of them.

On Tuesday, Vogel told Howard he would sit out the 117-92 win over the Sacramento Kings. However, the head coach ended up deploying the 2004 No. 1 overall pick four minutes into the game. The center spent 35 minutes on the floor, scoring 12 points and collecting 13 rebounds.

“Just a coach’s decision,” Vogel said, explaining Howard’s inclusion in the rotation on Tuesday. “I felt like Dwight was going to give us a boost in this game and I was right. He played terrific. He came in and changed the game with his energy. Him in particular in that third quarter with his pick-and-roll coverage.

“He’s more familiar with what we do, so he came in and just really set a tone with physicality and with effort, communication, and obviously helped us on the boards and his plus/minus is plus 27, so just a hell of a night for him.”

Howard felt down initially after being told he wouldn’t play against the Kings, but he stayed ready in case Vogel called his name — and eventually reaped the rewards for keeping the right mindset. Overall, the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year has said that perseverance is one of the Lakers’ most important traits.

“When you have a slow start to a season like we’ve had, that’s gonna test your character and I think it’s really just been bringing us together,” Howard said. “And understanding that we’re gonna need each other more and more in order to win. It’s a great test for us every night, we’re gonna get teams’ best shots, teams are gonna make crazy shots against us, they’re gonna play lights out.

“And every game is a test and it’s really a test of our character and how strong we’re gonna be together and tonight was a great test and I thought we passed. But we got to continue to pass each and every test that we have because it’s gonna be a very long season.”

Vogel hints at starting Howard in future games

Even before the victory over the Kings, Vogel suggested Howard’s role could increase in the coming weeks. Although DeAndre Jordan has started games over the 35-year-old center this season, the head coach didn’t rule out a change in the Lakers’ hierarchy.

“It’s not always gonna be DJ, sometimes it will be Dwight,” Vogel said. “You could see Dwight in the starting lineup with DJ being the third center or whatnot. We’ll continue to evaluate that going forward.”

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Carmelo Anthony Echoes Anthony Davis’ Call For More Effort & Communication On Defense

The Los Angeles Lakers’ defense hit rock bottom in Friday’s 130-108 loss to the Boston Celtics after struggling on that end…

Kobe Passes ‘Nique For 10th All-Time, Lakers Roll Over Pistons 108-83

The Lakers were embarrassed at home yet again on Sunday night when…

Kobe Shoots 3-20, Lakers Lose Turnover-Filled Game to Utah Jazz

After having Saturday off the Lakers were back in action Sunday night…

Russell Westbrook Thinks Lakers Are ‘Moving In The Right Direction’ Despite Slip-Up Against Grizzlies

The Los Angeles Lakers reached the halfway mark of the 2021-22 season with a 21-20 record, failing to match the expectations…