Howard returning for 3rd stint with Lakers

Dwight Howard has agreed to a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, his agent told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Howard, who will turn 36 in December, previously played for the Lakers in 2012-13 and 2019-20, winning his maiden NBA title in the most recent stint.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year served as Joel Embiid's primary backup on the Philadelphia 76ers last season, a similar role to the one he occupied in L.A. in 2019-20. In 17.3 minutes per game, Howard averaged seven points and 8.4 boards per outing in 2020-21.