In the aftermath of Kobe Bryant’s tragic death on Sunday, countless fans, friends and former teammates came forward to express their sorrow and disbelief.
Among them was Dwight Howard, who took to social media to reflect on his relationship with the Los Angeles Lakers legend.
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Howard was once on bad terms with Bryant. The two teamed up in the 2012-13 season and were expected to help the Lakers compete for an NBA championship.
Instead, a rash of injuries prevented the team from building any real chemistry. Howard left as a free agent during the following offseason.
For years following that season, Howard was a disdained figure throughout Los Angeles. When he returned to Staples Center as a member of the Houston Rockets, Bryant infamously called him “soft.”
Howard eventually got over that pejorative and even said he understood why Bryant uttered it to him.
As recently as last summer, many thought Howard’s NBA career was all but over. Now, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year is having a comeback season for the Lakers. He’s averaging 7.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 20.1 minutes per game.
Howard has shown a willingness this season to embrace a drastically reduced role, while infusing the team with positive energy.
Luckily, he and Bryant were able to put their unhappy past behind them before Bryant tragically passed.
