Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com reported that Howard has owned up to his poor play on the court. Per Shelburne:
"You've got to have energy and I want to bring that energy every night," Howard said in a revealing interview Saturday afternoon. "That's my job. They count on me to be that guy. I just know how much more effective I will be when I'm in better shape. And, unfortunately, it's cost us a lot of games."
Howard said his conditioning has improved throughout the season, but he's still "not even close" to where he wants to be, and where he once was before undergoing back surgery in the offseason.
"I knew that would be a process. The better shape I'm in, the more active I can be and the more I'm able to do on the floor," he said. "But it was a struggle at first because I just didn't have it in the tank, especially on defense."
It was a rare show of maturity from one of the most immature players in the league. Lest we forget the surreal press conference he gave in Orlando about loyalty and telling reporters he wasn't trying to get Stan Van Gundy fired.
Howard could have very easily blamed those around him or some variable beyond anybody's control. Instead, he owned up to his part in the Lakers' debacle up to this point in the season.
Some of Howard's struggles were completely out of his hands. He had back surgery in the offseason, so it's not as if he could have simply flipped a switch and made himself healthy. While he may not have helped himself at times, getting back to full strength was always going to be a process for Howard.
Then there's the shoulder injury that limited Howard's time and led to Kobe Bryant essentially calling out the big man for not playing hurt (h/t Jackie MacMullan of ESPNBoston.com).
With all...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
