As a byproduct of how shorthanded the Lakers are in the frontcourt, the absence of Dwight Howard on Monday was very much felt in the team’s loss to the Raptors. Fortunately for the Lakers, Howard — who missed Monday due to a family emergency — has returned to the team and is set to be available for Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While Howard has been inconsistent with his production this season, his presence as a center alone is valuable at this point given the extremely undersized nature of the Lakers’ roster without Anthony Davis.