Veteran center Dwight Howard acknowledged this Thursday at his first press conference since he became a player for the Philadelphia Sixers that the time with the Los Angeles Lakers was about the past and now his goal was to succeed with the new team.
Although he had put a tweet that he planned to return to the Lakers, whom he helped win the league title last October, Howard acknowledged that he had not been “lucky” as he accepted the offer from the Sixers within hours.
“These are things that happen in this business, but now everything is over, the Lakers did what they thought was best for them and I looked for the most valid option for me,” said Howard, 34. “I am grateful for what I achieved in Los Angeles and now it is a different story, which fills me with emotion.”
Howard rejoined the Lakers on an unsecured minimum contract last summer after it looked like his career might end after an injury-plagued season with the Washington Wizards, with whom he played just nine games.
But Howard revived his career with a great season playing primarily as a backup for the Lakers, and was instrumental in securing the championship as a replacement for starter Anthony Davis.
Now, in his new stage, he will have to adapt to a different climate and city, but above all to players with whom he has never competed before.
Still, he said he’s not worried about the quick change and that he feels good about how he is physically heading into the new season.
“I’m trying to stay in great shape to prepare for this season,” Howard said. “I did not expect it to start so early, but I will be ready and the main thing is to help the young people from the beginning, in addition to fighting for a new title.”
