Jeanie Buss had some harsh words for her former employee Mike D’Antoni. The Lakers Owner expressed what many people had already speculate…that the former head coach’s system, did not capitalize on Dwight Howard’s strength.
D’Antoni’s system has always been a high paced, pick and roll heavy offense and often times does not put high priority on defense. This is in stark contrast to what Howard is best at as a multiple Defensive Player of the Year winner. Howard seemed to do best when he would get the ball in the low post and use his size to dominate.
When initially acquired, Howard was figured to pair with Kobe Bryant to form an updated version of the years where Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal would win three straight NBA Championships. That plan ultimately failed and the experiment ended after only one disappointing season.
D’Antoni left the team in 2014 and went on to coach the Houston Rockets. Ironically the same team Howard joined immediately after leaving Los Angeles. Howard unfortunately never quite regained the success experienced before becoming a laker. Moreover, after a series of stops around the NBA, Howard petitioned to be reunited with the franchise. Since rejoining the team this season, Howard has experienced a resurgence in his image around the league. No longer is he one of the top earners demanding his fair share of touches. Instead he has become a selfless role player sharing minutes with Javale McGee and Anthony Davis.
The Lakers currently sit atop the NBA Western Conference. Howard looks to play a significant role in one of the top contenders on this year’s NBA Championship. Hopefully, this sequel ends better than the original.
Flip the page for the video of Jeanie taking a shot at D’Antoni.
