The Los Angeles Lakers needed a backup center, so they contacted Howard with a proposal: accept a smaller role off the bench and not cause any problems. Howard, who had previously been with the team in the 2012-13 season that ended in disappointment, said yes, and he played a key role in winning the 2020 NBA Championship.

He wanted to return the following season, but there was apparently a miscommunication between him and the Lakers, and he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers instead. During a recent podcast appearance, Howard spoke with controlling owner Jeanie Buss and discussed what happened during that 2020 offseason. He said the Lakers did not have an offer for him; Bus disagreed.

Ultimately, Howard feels his agent lied to him about the whole situation (h/t Lakers Daily).

Howard’s story with the Lakers during that 2019-20 season was one of redemption. After his first stint with the Lakers, during which he didn’t get along well with Kobe Bryant, he developed a reputation as a me-first prima donna who wasn’t committed to his craft or his team. He broke that narrative by embracing his role off the bench and even becoming something of a cheerleader for his teammates.