Recently, NBA.com held a survey asking all 30 general managers various questions about players and coaches around the league. Howard was named the acquisition that will make the biggest impact with 70 percent of the vote.
This is unsurprising, especially considering the same GMs also named him the best center (with all but two votes), the best defender and third behind LeBron James and Kevin Durant among players to build a new team around.
There is no denying the talent. The big man is a force in the paint, and it has helped him win three Defensive Player of the Year awards. He has been on the All-NBA first team in each of the five years. In his career, he is averaging 18.4 points and an amazing 13 rebounds per game.
However, his stat line is likely to look a little different this year.
Howard was able to finish each year with impressive stats mainly due to the fact he was the dominant force on his teams. He led Orlando in shot attempts per game in each of the last two years and only recently received support in rebounding. From his rookie year until the 2010-11 season, no teammate averaged more than six rebounds per game.
On the Lakers, the center's point total is likely to go down with Kobe Bryant taking precedent on the court. Steve Nash and Pau Gasol will also take more shots than Howard's usual teammates. Additionally, Gasol has averaged three-straight double-double seasons and will cut into the rebounding numbers.
Fortunately for Los Angeles, the box score will not be indicative of Howard's impact this season.
Defensively, he not only shut down the opposing team's frontcourt but many guards as well. Howard averages 2.2 blocks per game and affects many more shots with intimidation alone.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
