Dwight Howard and Jeanie Buss on why Howard didn't give back to the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers needed a backup center, so they turned to Howard with a suggestion: Accept a reduced role on the bench and don't cause problems. Howard, who was with the team during the 2012-13 season that ended in disappointment, said yes and played a key role in winning the 2020 NBA Championship.

He wanted to return the next season, but there was apparently a miscommunication between him and the Lakers and he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers instead. During a recent podcast appearance, Howard sat down with controlling owner Jeanie Buss and discussed what happened in the 2020 offseason. He said the Lakers had no offer for him; Buss disagreed.

Ultimately, Howard feels like his agent lied to him about the whole situation (h/t Lakers Daily).

Howard's story with the Lakers in the 2019-20 season was one of redemption. After his first stint with the Lakers, in which he didn't get along particularly well with Kobe Bryant, he developed a reputation as a put-me-first prima donna, uncommitted to his craft or his team. He shattered that narrative by embracing his role off the bench and even becoming something of a cheerleader for his teammates.