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Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking each role player by importance

By Jason Reed

ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 06: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers defends against JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a NBA preseason game at Honda Center on October 6, 2018 in Anaheim, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 06: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers defends against JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a NBA preseason game at Honda Center on October 6, 2018 in Anaheim, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

5. Dwight Howard

The newest member of the Los Angeles Lakers comes in as the fifth-most important player on the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019. Fans have had a mixed reaction to Dwight Howard coming to the team. Some have embraced Howard as the best option available while others are still looking back at his first tenure with the team.

However you look at the situation, Howard’s off-court antics and demeanor are still going to be extremely influential to the role that he has on the team. If he has not changed his ways, the Lakers can back out of the relationship with his non-guaranteed contract.

If he truly does change, then he could be a huge addition to the Lakers that becomes the fourth-best player on the team. He is a hall of fame talent, after all, it has always been the extra things with Howard that has hurt him.

If he does make it to the regular season, Howard is going to be important as the bench big man, at least to start the year. While Anthony Davis might play center in the last few minutes of a game, we all know that he prefers to play the four and adding Howard allows him to do that.

Size might not be as important as it was in the past but the Lakers definitely would have been shorthanded with only one traditional center. It is hard to ignore Howard’s importance because of that.

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