This positive blip should turn into a trend for the struggling LA squad, a team that is desperately fighting to remain in the postseason discussion. Howard is not only relatively raw in the post in his ninth NBA season, but he's a total liability at the free-throw line.
In close and hotly contested games that will require clutch freebees to be knocked down, D12 is not the ideal go-to guy down the stretch.
After the game, Howard vented some frustration at how his situation with the Lakers has been portrayed by the media, as documented by Sam Amick of USA TODAY:
I hear what people are saying. I don't need to say anything about it, but I'm the one that gets the bad end of the stick. Something happens on TV, something happens on ESPN, and they're saying it's me. I just try to play through it and stay happy and lead this team in any way I can.
If Howard truly does want to lead the team any way he can, he should stick predominantly to defense rather than trying to establish himself offensively.
The Oklahoman's Thunder beat writer Darnell Mayberry posted a humorous Howard quote on Twitter:
Dwight Howard: "I think this is our first win over a good team, right?"
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) January 28, 2013 But this is exactly why Howard isn't needed on offense as much. He went 2-for-10 from the free-throw line and attempted only seven shots, yet LA cruised to a win.
The Lakers have plenty of weapons on that end of the court, and more consistent options than Howard at this point. Pau Gasol is at his best when he operates in the post, and the paint is only big enough for one of them.
When the ball is dum...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
