2.1.2 Dominance and NBA Finals appearance (2008–2011).Howard returned to the Lakers in 2019 and won his first NBA championship in 2020. After a year with the Lakers, he played for the Houston Rockets, the Atlanta Hawks, the Charlotte Hornets, and the Washington Wizards. In 2012, after eight seasons with Orlando, Howard was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Howard set numerous franchise and league records with the Magic. He chose to forgo college, entered the 2004 NBA draft, and was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic. Howard, who plays center, spent his high school career at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. He is an NBA champion, eight-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA Team honoree, five-time All-Defensive Team member, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. McDonald's All-American Game Co-MVP ( 2004)ĭwight David Howard II (born December 8, 1985) is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).Naismith Prep Player of the Year (2004).4× NBA All-Defensive First Team ( 2009– 2012).3× NBA Defensive Player of the Year ( 2009– 2011).Howard with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022
