Dwight Howard had a tumultuous first season as a Laker, so much so that he said this weekend to seeing the team psychiatrist during the season.
Howard struggled to fit into an offense with Kobe Bryant and butted heads with head coach Mike D’Antoni on more than one occasion all the while dealing with an injured back and shoulder. The media, fans and Bryant criticized him, which led to Howard seeking help.
“When I came back from my shoulder injury, some didn’t think I was giving my all. And nobody wanted to hear what I said about coming off back surgery. It wasn’t fair to me. I was on a walker and four months later playing basketball. I played hurt,” Howard told the L.A. Times.
Howard averaged 17.1 points (his lowest since 2006) and 12.4 rebounds (his lowest since 2007) per game, and was also a detriment from the free throw line shooting 49-percent, including one game where he was 3-for-14. The Lakers entered the season as one of the preseason favorites to win the title, but needed a late surge just to get No. 7 seed and without an injured Bryant they were swept by the Spurs.
Howard said the sessions helped, as he learned not to worry about what anyone else was saying about him, good or bad. The free agent center, who hasn’t committed to re-signing with the Lakers, says he knows he can be a better player than he was in 2012, even if it isn’t with the Lakers.
“It’s free agency and I have the opportunity to choose where I’m going to play,” said Howard, who could consider the Rockets, Mavericks and Hawks if he leaves the Lakers.
“I know I can make a difference next season.”