The Los Angeles Lakers have signed center Dwight Howard for the rest of the season, league sources confirmed on Friday afternoon.

In a move that has both surprised and energized fans across the league, the Los Angeles Lakers have signed veteran center Dwight Howard for the remainder of the 2024–2025 NBA season, league sources confirmed Friday afternoon. The signing marks Howard’s third stint with the storied franchise and signals both a strategic and sentimental decision by the Lakers front office as the team looks to strengthen its interior presence heading into the final stretch of the season.

This return is not just a basketball transaction; it is a full-circle moment for one of the game’s most polarizing yet undeniably talented big men of his era. At 39 years old, Howard brings with him a wealth of experience, championship pedigree, and a familiarity with the Lakers’ system and culture.

A Veteran’s Journey

Dwight Howard’s career has been anything but linear. Drafted first overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, Howard quickly established himself as a dominant force in the paint. His rare combination of athleticism, timing, and strength earned him three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards and an appearance in the 2009 NBA Finals. Known for his rebounding and shot-blocking prowess, he was once the league’s premier center.

Following his time in Orlando, Howard’s career included stops with the Lakers, Rockets, Hawks, Hornets, Wizards, Sixers, and several teams abroad. His first stint with the Lakers in 2012–2013 was tumultuous, marred by injuries and chemistry issues, particularly with Kobe Bryant. However, his return in 2019 helped rewrite that narrative. In a limited role, Howard became a crucial contributor to the Lakers’ 2020 championship run inside the NBA’s Orlando bubble, accepting a bench role and using his physicality to disrupt opposing big men.

His third tenure with the team now begins under very different circumstances.

Why the Lakers Made the Move

The 2024–2025 Lakers have experienced ups and downs this season. Injuries to key frontcourt players, including intermittent absences from Anthony Davis and a rotating cast of backup centers, have left the team thin in the paint. With playoff positioning hanging in the balance and a need for veteran leadership, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and head coach Darvin Ham made the decision to bring back a familiar face.

“Dwight knows what it takes to win here,” said Ham in a press conference Friday evening. “He understands the city, the fans, the expectations. We’re not bringing him in to be 2010 Dwight. We’re bringing him in to do what he does best—defend, rebound, be a physical presence, and lead.”

Howard had reportedly been training extensively in recent months, staying ready for a potential return. Sources close to the player said he had maintained contact with multiple teams but had always preferred a return to Los Angeles.

“I’ve always loved the Lakers. This city is home to me now,” Howard said in an Instagram Live shortly after the news broke. “I’ve stayed ready, I’ve stayed in shape, and I’ve stayed humble. I’m just grateful for another opportunity to wear purple and gold.”

Impact on the Locker Room

Veteran leadership is a valued asset during the playoff push, and Howard brings plenty of it. His presence in the locker room could help younger players stay grounded, particularly with the mental and emotional grind of an 82-game season nearing its climax.

LeBron James, who won the 2020 title alongside Howard, expressed support for the move. “Welcome back, big fella,” James tweeted Friday afternoon. “Let’s go finish what we started.”

Howard’s presence also helps lessen the load on Anthony Davis, who has often had to shoulder the lion’s share of defensive responsibilities in the post. While Howard may no longer have the bounce of his younger years, his size, strength, and experience can still alter shots, box out effectively, and provide critical rest minutes for Davis during games.

Additionally, Howard’s personality—once criticized for being too playful or aloof—has matured. During his last run with the Lakers, he was vocal in practices, animated on the bench, and supportive of teammates. His evolution into a role player and team-first guy won over fans and players alike.

Off the Court Significance

Dwight Howard’s return comes during a season in which his name has also surfaced in connection to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He is considered a likely inductee in the coming class, alongside legends like Carmelo Anthony. While the official ceremony won’t take place until later this year, the timing of his return gives him a rare opportunity: a farewell tour of sorts, on the floor and in the city where he finally found redemption.

For Lakers fans, many of whom once viewed Howard as a failed experiment, this return provides closure and celebration. The boos that once rained down on him in Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) have long since faded. In their place are cheers for a veteran who put ego aside and helped win a title.

“This isn’t just about basketball,” said Lakers fan and season ticket holder Marisol Vega. “It’s about second chances. Dwight came back, helped us win, and earned the city’s respect. Seeing him back in that jersey just feels right.”

What Can He Contribute Now?

Howard isn’t expected to log heavy minutes. With Davis still the focal point of the frontcourt, and other options like Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood in the mix, Howard will likely be used situationally. But don’t underestimate his impact in limited spurts. He can still rebound, set hard screens, and provide the kind of veteran savvy that doesn’t always show up in the box score.

“He’s still a monster on the boards,” said former teammate Danny Green in a recent podcast. “Give him 10–12 minutes a game, and he’ll make his presence felt. He knows his role, and he’s great in it.”

Moreover, Howard’s infectious energy—be it dancing during warmups or hyping up teammates—could be just the jolt this Lakers team needs as they aim to peak at the right time.

The Bigger Picture

With the Western Conference as competitive as ever, the Lakers are in the thick of the playoff race. While no one expects Howard to be a game-changer statistically, the intangibles he brings could be invaluable.

This signing is about chemistry, cohesion, and continuity. It’s about surrounding LeBron and Davis with veterans they trust. And it’s about giving a future Hall of Famer the chance to end his NBA story the right way: on the court, in the playoffs, wearing Lakers gold.

It’s a narrative fit for Hollywood. Dwight Howard—the prodigy turned pariah turned champion—gets one final act under the bright lights of Los Angeles.

Looking Ahead

The Lakers have approximately a dozen regular season games remaining. Howard is expected to be activated as soon as next week, pending physicals and league approval. Early reports suggest he could suit up as soon as the upcoming home stand against the Sacramento Kings.

Lakers fans will be watching eagerly, not just for what Howard can still offer on the court, but for what his return represents. In a league often dominated by narratives of ego, friction, and broken relationships, Dwight Howard’s story is one of growth, redemption, and unfinished business.