Dwight Howard appeared at the podium, that big, goofy smile of his plastered on his face. He was beaming from ear-to-ear with a look that said excitement, anticipation, and most of all, relief. Yes, Howard was clearly grateful that this entire ordeal is behind him. After months and months, he can finally put this chapter in the rear view, and get away from all the problems that have plagued his life since last December.
You know, all of those problems he created.
Howard told reporters at his introductory press conference as a Los Angeles Laker that he was just glad everything was over and that he could “breathe” again. Which is convenient, since he literally choked the life out of the Orlando Magic franchise. Howard refused to talk about the team that he started his NBA career with in 2004, saying that it was “Laker Day” and refusing to comment on the situation in Orlando, beyond thanking the fans and the city there (as it burns in embers behind him) and this one quote:
“It was a very tough situation for everyone to let go.”
You can say that again.
Howard spoke to the situation with the media, and how his public image had taken such a hit in recent days/months/eons due to his constant trade demands and a never-ending series of leaks from his camp spelling out his feelings for the franchise, even after willingly opting-in to another year with the team. Howard said he “forgave” the media, including Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless, which is just incredibly benevolent of him.
Howard spoke of the past four months he’s spent rehabbing from back surgery in L.A., and mentioned that he has not started running yet, nor will he “rush” his return, an ominous line that has to send shivers down the back of Lakers fans. But most estimates say that Howard should be fully healthy by the time training camp starts.
Howard also mentioned that that time in L.A. is in part what made him feel that this was “home.” So just to be clear here, he felt more at home in a hotel he’d been staying at in Beverly Hills for four months than the community he’d lived in since 2004. Got it.
Howard provided his prototypical comic relief when he did a pretty spot-on Kobe impression of the phone call shared between the two Friday night, which Bryant confirmed earlier in the day prior to Team USA’s win over Argentina. He joked and laughed and seemed at ease. And why shouldn’t he? He got everything he wanted, and now gets to be the hero to millions.
The All-Star center repeatedly made mention to his Superman moniker, and briefly touched on the “mistakes” he’d made throughout this process. “I’m going to do better,” the big man said before leaving the podium with his new Lakers No.12 jersey. Just in time for Orlando fans.
