Media

Dwight Howard Pens Heart-Wrenching Message to Kobe Bryant

Published by
Robert Marvi

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.

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.

Robert Marvi

Robert is a native of Santa Monica, Calif., and a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has been an avid NBA fan since he was a little kid in the mid '90s and fell in love with the Nick Van Exel-led Lakers teams. He truly cherishes the Kobe Bryant-era of Lakers basketball and the five world championships that came with it, and is looking forward to the team's next NBA title.

Published by
Robert Marvi

Recent Posts

Report: 5 Lakers ‘non-negotiables’ leaked from private team meeting

The J.J. Redick era is off and running for the Los Angeles Lakers, and part…

November 13, 2024

Lakers reveal updated timeline for Christian Wood’s left knee injury recovery

Los Angeles Lakers big man Christian Wood has yet to play a single game in…

November 12, 2024

Report: Klay Thompson chose Mavericks over Lakers because he believed they had a better chance to win a ring

Before longtime Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks via a sign-and-trade…

November 12, 2024

LeBron James hyped for release of 4K version of Nintendo 64

A social media post from Sunday night purported that a 4K model of the iconic…

November 11, 2024

Report: Anthony Davis had difficulty keeping eye open after contact from Jakob Poeltl

Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis got hit in the eye while blocking a shot…

November 11, 2024

George Karl blasts Bronny James after underwhelming G League debut

Bronny James, the son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, made his G League…

November 10, 2024