Lakers Rumors: Projecting Dwight Howard’s Stats with Nash, Gasol and Kobe

With Steve Nash locked in for the next three years and the crisis at point guard solved for the immediate future, most talk of trades in Los Angeles has turned to one Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic.

Rumors have been plentiful recently, and, while Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times reports that the Lakers are looking at Howard with some understandable trepidation, it is still worth considering the impact that a perennial All-Star like Howard would have on the L.A. offense.

There is plenty to consider about the statistical impact Dwight Howard would have in Los Angeles—from the pace and design of the offense to the talent of his prospective teammates and even simply how many touches he would get.

Howard has never played with a point guard at Nash's level, which could maximize his effectiveness on the court. The two would make an absolutely lethal pick-and-roll combination, and Howard would be able to receive passes in his best spots on the floor.

Howard's athleticism would help in running the floor alongside Nash and creating easy scoring opportunities. Nash is truly one of the most gifted passers in the league and a tremendously unselfish star guard. If Howard does end up in Los Angeles, Nash's presence will be essential in his offensive production.

Howard does not have a bevy of post moves, but he can carve out solid position and often overwhelm his opponents and finish at the rim.

Pau Gasol may not be the sharpshooter Ryan Anderson is from distance, but he does have a reliable perimeter jumper that forces opposing big men to leave the paint to guard him, opening up room to work. Howard works well with a stretch-four and Gasol's ability to play outside the paint should open up room for him to work.



The only problem that faces Howard is whether he would get his share of shots. In an Orlando offense where he was easily the best player, he averaged just 13.4 shot att...

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