| |
|
NBA -- The promise that is Dwight Howard
By Ryan Medida
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 23 Oct 2012
SAN FRANCISCO -- Although Dwight Howard's maiden appearance in a Lakers uniform did not provide a much-needed win in their preseason schedule, the 6-foot-11, 265-pound behemoth provided a delightful glimpse of the promise and possibilites that his hulking all-around presence can bring to one of the league's most prestigious franchises.
In a 99-92 loss at the hands of the Sacramento Kings, Howard feasted with 19 points, slam dunking and laying in bakets by exclusively loitering the paint. He also grabbed 12 rebounds, evoking strong memories of his six-time All-Star credentials while playing for the Orlando Magic, whom he departed from amid extremely contentious circumstances this past summer. The 26-year old pivot also swatted four enemy shots, reminding all and sundry that he still is a beast on the defensive end.
But beneath the athleticism and obvious brute strength, the rust also showed. Howard, after all, hasn't played competitive basketball in about six months after he was shut down by the Magic prior to the playoffs to have his back surgically repaired.
In 32 minutes and 57 seconds of play, Howard commited five turnovers. And he dished just two assists, a reflection of his unfamiliarity with his teammates, a storng cast tthat includes megastar Kobe Bryant, newly-acquired two-time MVP point guard Steve Nash, Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace, formerly Ron Artest. In an extremely hectic offseason, the Lakers also acquired the well-credentialed Antawn Jamison, a gunslinger with above average range who can score in bunches.
The Lakers are winless in the preseason after six starts. But this is the preseason, when the defeats don't count in the official standings.
The Lakers are using this series of exhibition games to meld their new parts with Kobe and the rest of the hold-overs. The key here is that Howard appears healthy and once the regular season starts, it's safe to assume that the Lakers won't have so many of those marks in the loss column. (Ryan Medida)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ryan Medida.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
A TRIO OF MATCHUPS ADDED TO "CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH: A NIGHT OF BOXING" PRESENTED BY 555 MEDIA AND BASH BOXING
, Fri, 09 May 2025SHAW SURGES AS CAPITO STUMBLES IN TITLE DEFENCE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
, Fri, 09 May 20252025 USA Boxing Youth Men’s and Women’s High Performance Teams announced
, Fri, 09 May 2025Jessie Villasin chess tournament on Sunday
By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 09 May 2025Press Conference Notes: San Diego Favorite Emanuel Navarrete Set to Reignite Mexico-Philippines Rivalry against Charly Suarez
, Fri, 09 May 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS PRESENTS: UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. LANI DANIELS SATURDAY, JULY 26 * LITTLE CAESARS ARENA
, Fri, 09 May 2025Unbeaten Anthony Velazquez pitched shutout at home in Springfield
, Fri, 09 May 2025TYSON FURY VOTED THE MOST ENTERTAINING BOXER IN THE WORLD, ACCORDING TO BRITISH FANS
, Fri, 09 May 2025Undefeated super middleweight contender Darius Fulghum preparing to ‘Make a big splash’ vs. Bek Melikuziev
, Fri, 09 May 2025OKC Routs Denver; 149-106, Ties Series; Semis Series in East Remain Topsy-turvy as Boston Goes Down 0-2 With 91-90 Loss to NY
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Thu, 08 May 2025SHAW SENDS A MESSAGE IN HUNT FOR UK OPEN GLORY | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
, Thu, 08 May 2025WBO presents the Amanda Serrano Championships
, Thu, 08 May 2025GM Antonio faces tough competition in ASEAN Seniors Chess Championships in Penang, Malaysia
By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 08 May 2025Boxing: Entertainment Sport or Sport Entertainment?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 07 May 2025JIM LAMPLEY'S BOOK TOUR IS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS WEEK!
, Wed, 07 May 2025CAPITO IGNITES TITLE DEFENCE IN STYLE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
, Wed, 07 May 2025Sol Levinson: The Man Whose Gloves Elevated Boxing
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Tue, 06 May 2025Undefeated Cuban Heavyweight Prospect Dainier Pero Finishes Intense Las Vegas Training Camp Ahead of May 9 MVP Main Event on DAZN
, Tue, 06 May 2025The Past Week in Action 5 May 2025: Inoue-Cardenas Saves Historic Boxing Weekend; Canelo-Scull Sets New Record for Fewest Punches Thrown
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 06 May 2025Sampson Lewkowicz Congratulates Cardenas, Romero and Espinoza and Vows to Make Next Year's Cinco de Mayo Unforgettable, Highlighted by David Benavidez Facing the Winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev
, Tue, 06 May 2025Saving the Best for Last: GSW Upstages Raw Rockets
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 06 May 2025Antonio, Bagamasbad face tough competition in Woman FIDE Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao Open Rapid Chess Tournament on May 18
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 06 May 2025Andres “Savage” Cortes Finishes Strong Training Camp Ahead of Crucial May 10 Clash Against Salvador Jimenez at Pechanga Arena San Diego
, Tue, 06 May 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS and ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT PRESENT HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT
, Tue, 06 May 2025IBA embraces Bare Knuckle Boxing
, Tue, 06 May 2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
