It was apparent during the 2020-21 season that the Los Angeles Lakers lacked a true rim protector and shot-blocking center. Marc Gasol, Andre Drummond and Montrezl Harrell all did their best but were unable to fill in that gap on defense.
Rob Pelinka made sure to address this need by signing Dwight Howard, reuniting the veteran big man with the franchise he won his first NBA ring with. Howard spent the previous season with the Philadelphia 76ers backing up Joel Embiid, but comes home to L.A. where he said he feels like he is meant to be.