Howard 'never had any ill will' toward Lakers fans
It's been six years since Dwight Howard last suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Although the All-Star center bolted for the Houston Rockets following the 2012-13 campaign, he maintains his free-agency decision had nothing to do with the city.
"I never had any ill will toward any of the fans here in L.A.," Howard told reporters on a conference call Wednesday, including ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "I loved this city from the first moment I've been here and started playing in the NBA. It was never nothing against anybody here (on) the team or anything like that, it was just a decision I made.
"I love this city. I love playing in L.A. I'm back here so none of that stuff in the past even really matters to me anymore. I think we all have a fresh start."
I hope I get the chance to make it up to you!” Thank u la.
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) April 29, 2013
The three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year posted 17.1 points, 12.4 boards, and 2.4 blocks per contest during his lone season in Hollywood.
Howard returned to the Lakers this summer on a non-guaranteed deal and is coming off an injury-shortened 2018-19 season, where he averaged 12.8 points and 9.2 boards across nine appearances.
The 33-year-old said he's focused on bringing another championship banner to the rafters of the Staples Center.
"Everybody here wants to win, and I want to win, too," Howard said. "It wasn't about selling myself. It was just letting them know everything I'm about, and what we're trying to accomplish."
Howard is expected to split minutes with JaVale McGee at the center position after DeMarcus Cousins tore his left ACL during an offseason workout.
While Howard is far removed from his All-NBA form, he should help offset some of the rebounding and shot-blocking lost from Cousins.