Report: Lakers to guarantee Howard's contract for rest of season

The Los Angeles Lakers are keeping Dwight Howard around.

Los Angeles plans to guarantee Howard's $2.56-million contract for the rest of the season, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports.

The Lakers have until 5 p.m. ET Tuesday to waive Howard, but they don't intend to do so, according to McMenamin.

After agreeing to a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies over the summer, Howard quickly opted for a non-guaranteed deal with Los Angeles, which was in need of a backup center after DeMarcus Cousins tore his ACL.

Howard's non-guaranteed pact would have allowed the Lakers to part with him with ease, but the 34-year-old veteran has capitalized on his opportunity. Howard is averaging 7.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while playing exclusively in a bench role this season with L.A., which currently sits atop the Western Conference standings.