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Lakers' Howard to play in NBA return, donate game checks

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Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard has decided to participate in the remainder of the NBA season when play resumes in Orlando later this month, he told The Athletic's Shams Charania on Monday.

Howard, who's set to join the Lakers in Orlando on Thursday, will donate the remainder of his game checks this season to his Breathe Again non-profit. That equates to approximately $700,000, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.

"I have a contractual obligation to my teammates, to my fans, to the Lakers, the organization, and everyone. But at the same time, I also have an obligation to my family and my community," Howard told CNN's Don Lemon. "So, yes, I will be joining my team in Orlando. But during that time, we will be getting a lot of work done here in Atlanta and around the nation making sure people don't forget about us and what's going on."

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year previously voiced his concerns with resuming the season amid ongoing discussions across the world related to racism and police brutality, as well as the health risks associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

"Basketball, or entertainment period, isn't needed at this moment, and will only be a distraction," Howard told CNN's Jill Martin on June 13.

Howard has been a steady contributor off the bench behind JaVale McGee for the Western Conference-leading Lakers, averaging 7.5 points on 73.2% shooting, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 19.2 minutes per game.

The veteran signed a one-year, non-guaranteed contract worth $2.56 million at the outset of the 2019-20 season to replace an injured DeMarcus Cousins, and Los Angeles rewarded Howard's impressive play by guaranteeing the remainder of his deal in January.

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