“The Lakers’ Unexpected Journey in the 2023-24 Playoffs: Dwight Howard Offers Help Amidst Frontcourt Struggles”
The Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff journey in the 2023-24 season wasn’t expected to see them surpassing the Denver Nuggets in the first round and advancing to the second round. Following their defeat to the Denver Nuggets in the first game of the series with a score of 103-114, the Lakers found themselves in need of some interior assistance.
Former Lakers champion Dwight Howard volunteered himself, hoping for a return to the Lakers to bolster their frontcourt. However, with the playoffs already underway, the Lakers couldn’t secure Howard’s signing in time for him to participate in this season’s playoffs.
They needed to sign him before the playoffs began for him to represent the Lakers. Similar to the Clippers signing Jones before the playoffs began. The Lakers’ frontcourt strength couldn’t match up to the Nuggets, and they urgently needed to find some help for Anthony Davis.
With about a minute left in the fourth quarter, Anthony Davis found himself unable to quickly get back on defense as Jokic led a fast break. Clearly, relying solely on Anthony Davis in the Lakers’ frontcourt wouldn’t be enough to defeat the Nuggets.
However, on April 22, according to Shams Charania, the Lakers’ tall player Wood is planning to return to the lineup in the third game against the Denver Nuggets.
Wood, a 2.06-meter-tall interior star, can play power forward and center positions. In the 2023-24 regular season, he averaged 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. Wood has some three-point shooting ability, but he has been absent due to a knee injury since February 14th. Before his injury, Wood was an important figure on the Lakers’ bench.
In the 2023-24 season, he only played 50 games and started only one game. If he can return, the Lakers might be able to avoid the embarrassment of an 8-man rotation and diversify their lineup and tactics.
In the first game, the Lakers planned to use Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes to contain Jokic, but the effect was unsatisfactory, as they were both largely dominated by Jokic. Anthony Davis defending Jokic resulted in a stalemate, with neither able to contain the other.
Now with Wood returning, it can be said that the Lakers’ frontcourt height will receive a certain boost, and his three-point shooting ability can help the Lakers match up against the Nuggets both offensively and defensively.
However, the Lakers cannot rely on Wood’s return to help limit Jokic, as Wood’s abilities are limited, lacking exceptional strength, jumping ability, and size. His role would be more focused on providing help defense and defensive disruptions.