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Lakers' Howard: 'Pointless' to wear mask in bubble

Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard was recently reported to the NBA's campus "snitch" hotline for not wearing a mask, but the former No. 1 pick believes concerns over his misconduct are being blown out of proportion.

"I think everyone is making a big deal out of it," Howard said Saturday, according to USA TODAY's Mark Medina. "I feel like we're in the safest place in Orlando. We're getting tested every day and are around each other."

Howard added, "It would be pointless for anyone to say anything. I understand being outside of (the bubble), the mask is very important. So I won't say it's not needed. But since we're here in this bubble, I feel like we're safe."

Howard believes more attention should instead be brought toward arresting those responsible for Breonna Taylor's death.

"Why haven't these people been brought in? ... Why haven't they been charged or arrested?" he said, according to Spectrum SportsNet's Mike Trudell.

It doesn't appear Howard will face any consequences for failing to comply with the NBA's health and safety protocol. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year didn't wear a mask during an Instagram Live session at a league-sanctioned DJ party last weekend.

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