Lost in the hoopla of Paul George’s homecoming this week was that Dwight Howard also made his return to Staples Center. Of course, it’s understandable, considering the Los Angeles Lakers fan base reveres George and largely despises Howard.
And if there was any doubt, fans made that crystal clear during respective lineup introductions on Wednesday and Friday. George was cheered as if he already plays for the Lakers, and Howard was soundly booed.
“I don’t think about it. At some point they get over it,” Howard said of the treatment he received. He finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds in the Charlotte Hornets’ 108-94 rout.