The devastating toll rendered by the coronavirus pandemic is one that has hit Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard, who indicated that the mother of his six-year-old son died from an epileptic seizure over a month ago.
Dwight Howard, on a video conference call with reporters, said the mother of his six-year old son died during the pandemic nearly six weeks ago. He said it’s caused him to “just be grateful for life” as he spends the NBA hiatus with his family in Georgia.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 15, 2020
The 34-year-old Howard returned to the Lakers prior to this season after having played with the team during the 2012-13 campaign. Prior to the death, he had only been impacted by the virus on a professional level as a result of the NBA’s shutdown on March 11.
However, this painful loss is one that deeply affects his family, which includes a total of five children.
Howard was in the midst of his 16th NBA season at the time of the league’s suspension of play, having been able to renew his love for the game despite a steep drop in his overall statistical numbers.
In his 62 games with the Lakers this season, Howard has averaged 7.5 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Those numbers pale in comparison to ones that he put up in his prime, when he routinely delivered double-doubles.
How much longer Howard will play is unknown, but he’s certainly hoping that he and his teammates on the Lakers will have the opportunity to compete for a championship this season.
When the Lakers’ season officially concludes, he’ll then presumably continue trying the ease the pain of his son.
