Jordan Hill’s Health Paramount for Dwight Howard to Thrive with L.A. Lakers

Behind every great center, there's a great backup—or at least that's what you hope for.

Rarely is that actually the case, but this season's iteration of the Los Angeles Lakers is anything but typical.

While the organization's star power has garnered plenty of attention, its depth is every bit as indispensable to a lengthy postseason push.

Last season, the Lakers had neither their current abundance of star power nor a second unit capable of holding its own for any sustained period of time.

Though Los Angeles' improvement in both areas remains entirely untested, there's certainly reason to believe it's in far better position to fend off the likes of the Thunder and Spurs—so long as this club remains healthy, of course.

Although less heralded than this summer's notable acquisitions, a healthy Jordan Hill is more important than you might think.

Fortunately, he should be back in action soon enough, according to the Los Angeles Times' Mike Bresnahan: 

Reserve center-forward Jordan Hill said he would miss the rest of the exhibition season but planned to be available for the season opener.

He sustained a herniated disk in his back last week and said he was relatively pain-free Tuesday.

Good news, yes, but key to L.A.'s championship ambitions?

Here's the thing about Hill. He's not just another guy who can spot Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol 20 or so minutes a game—though his ability to do so certainly won't hurt.

He's also an insurance policy, some peace of mind for Howard and head coach Mike Brown alike.

Sure, Howard's rehabilitation has gone as well as could have been expected, but availability shouldn't be confused with a license to run the star center ragged from Day 1.

That would probably be true under any other circumstance, but it's all the more pertinent given Dwight's situation.
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers