​The Lakers have formally severed ties with a wide range of free-agent rights, including a generational 6-foot-11 Hall of Fame center and NBA champion who left an indelible mark on the franchise. On Wednesday, The Los Angeles Lakers publicly renounced the free-agent rights to several notable players—LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Dion Waiters, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Maxi Kleber, Nick Smith Jr., Jared Dudley, Avery Bradley, Jaxson Hayes, Markieff Morris, and Wayne Ellington—per a report from HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto on X/Twitter. Among those listed, Dwight Howard stands out as a prominent pillar of the franchise who remains a symbol of the Lakers’ legacy, even as his relationship with the team has reached its conclusion.
Dwight Howard’s path with the Lakers has spanned multiple chapters. After a remarkable early tenure with the team, the Atlanta native posted a standout 2012-13 season, averaging 17.1 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. That period underscored his dominance in the paint and solidified his status as one of the era’s premier big men. Yet, despite his individual production, the Lakers faltered in the playoffs, failing to advance beyond the Western Conference Semifinals for the first time since the 2006-07 season during that first stint.
Howard would later return to the Lakers and contribute to a championship run, even as his time in the league continued to evolve. He helped the Lakers win the 2019-20 title, marking a high point in a career filled with both extraordinary highs and enduring debates about fit and longevity with various teams. After a stint with the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2020-21 season, Howard rejoined Los Angeles for the 2021-22 campaign before concluding his professional arc overseas and in the Big 3. His career, which culminated with his election to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025, is a testament to a dominant presence as a rebounder, shot blocker, and formidable low-post finisher—the kind of player who left an enduring impression on fans and peers alike.
As the NBA landscape continues to shift and teams reassess their free-agent strategies, the Lakers’ decision to renounce certain rights signals a broader realignment of their roster priorities. Dwight Howard’s legacy—with its peak stretches and championship pedigree—will be remembered as a significant chapter in Lakers history, embodying both the fragility and resilience that define the franchise’s pursuit of greatness. The ongoing coverage and analysis of these moves reflect the dynamic nature of player movement and team-building in today’s NBA, where past achievements and future potential are weighed in equal measure.
For fans and followers seeking more reporting on this topic and related developments, The Sporting News remains a go-to source for comprehensive coverage, including historical context, contract nuances, and implications for the Lakers’ evolving roster.