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Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
It’s becoming a yearly tradition for Dwight Howard to let the Los Angeles Lakers know that his services are available.
On Tuesday, May 5, the Lakers opened up their second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road.
Going into the game, there wasn’t much confidence for the Lakers from the masses. Although they stunned the Houston Rockets without Luka Doncic, the defending champions, who finished first in the Western Conference, are a different beast.
Howard recognizes the situation and hinted that he’s available if the Lakers need him.
The second picture of the post includes an old Dwight Howard X post that reads: [Let me know] if I need to come out of retirement.”
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks with the media following the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
This time around, the Lakers got a chance to start the playoffs with their All-Star-caliber sharpshooter, Austin Reaves, on the court.
Unfortunately, Reaves’ night was rough out in OKC. The veteran checked in for 36 minutes. He shot just 3-16 from the field and missed all five of his shots from beyond the arc. Reaves also had six assists to four turnovers.
LeBron James checked in for 36 minutes to score 27 points by going 12-17 fro the field. James also had six assists, four rebounds, and one steal.
The Lakers lost Game 1 with a score of 108-90.
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after Kyle Kuzma #0 dunked the ball during the second half of their game against the Golden State Warriors Chase Center on February 27, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Although Howard hasn’t played in the NBA since 2022, he officially retired back in March 2026.
During that stretch between his final game and his official retirement, Howard was consistent in stating his case to teams in need of a center. The Lakers frequently heard Howard’s public pitches.
The last time Howard took the court in the NBA, he had 60 appearances with the Lakers. The veteran produced 6.2 points per game, along with 5.9 rebounds per game.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 23: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during a 126-121 Philadelphia 76ers win at Crypto.com Arena on March 23, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE
When Howard was in the midst of his second stint with the Lakers in 2019-2020, they won a championship. That year, he produced 7.5 points and 7.3 rebounds off the bench.
The former eight-time All-Star called it a career after making the Hall of Fame last year.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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