During the summer of 2020, the Los Angeles Lakers accomplished something that most teams could only aspire to do – dominating the NBA within the exclusive and high-stakes setting of the Orlando Bubble. Their chemistry was charged, their defense persistent, and their bench an essential part of the championship team. Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo, and JaVale McGee were pivotal in helping secure the championship, forming a team that was both versatile and invincible. However, in an unexpected twist that caught both fans and players off guard, General Manager Rob Pelinka made the decision to dismantle this seemingly unbeatable team during the following offseason.
Dwight Howard expresses his thoughts: “We had the potential to become a dynasty”
Moving ahead to the current time, the impact of that championship team is still present, particularly among those who played a crucial role in it. Dwight Howard, who is no longer with the Lakers, recently criticized Pelinka on Gil’s Arena, blaming him for preventing what he thought could have been a Lakers dynasty.
This team had it all – a great combination of experienced players and young talent, amazing teamwork, and a strong desire to succeed. Howard regretted that they missed the opportunity to become a dynasty. Phil Handy, a former assistant coach who was part of the Lakers’ championship journey, echoed his words, showing they were not without significance. Handy’s deal with Howard further stirred controversy, casting doubt on the choices made by the Lakers’ management.
Phil Handy’s Viewpoint: The Unproductive Summer
Phil Handy, well-regarded for his coaching skills and his talent for building rapport with players, did not hold back either. Handy explained that we must keep in mind that this summer was unique in comparison to others. “The timeframe between winning the championship and the next season starting because of COVID was extremely small. We’re talking roughly 70 days between the end of one season and the start of the next.”
This compressed timeline, Handy argued, pushed the Lakers’ management into making hasty decisions. Pelinka’s philosophy of needing “fresh legs” was understandable, given the short recovery period, but his execution of that plan left much to be desired. The loss of key veterans like Howard, Rondo, and McGee was not just a strategic error; it was, in the eyes of many, a betrayal of what that team had built.
The Season That Followed: A Promising Start, A Painful End
As the next season began, the Lakers were still highly regarded, their roster considered one of the strongest in the league. Yet, as Trevor Lane, an insider with deep ties to the Lakers, pointed out, the cracks began to show. “I do think that Rob went too far. For example, the Dwight Howard situation. He could have brought back Dwight. Dwight was on a minimum deal,” Lane noted, highlighting what many saw as a pivotal misstep.
Howard’s departure to the Philadelphia 76ers was one of several choices that, in hindsight, may have hindered the Lakers from attaining greater success. Injuries and inconsistent performances quickly derailed the team with a promising future, leading to an early exit from the playoffs. The potential dynasty had turned into a hypothetical situation, serving as a somber example of how fleeting success can be in the world of professional sports.
Dwight Howard
A Glimmer of the Past in Minnesota: Dwight Howard Sees the Spark in the Wolves
Even after time has passed, Howard still remembers the 2020 Lakers, and he now notices similar traits in an unexpected team – the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves, guided by the dynamic Anthony Edwards, have become one of the most powerful defensive teams in the league, with their teamwork and camaraderie resembling the Lakers during their prime.
“Watching Minnesota play this year, they remind me, just the chemistry that our team had when we won our championship, especially the defensive intensity that we had,” Howard remarked during a Twitter space. He spoke with the authority of someone familiar with the journey to success, acknowledging the Wolves’ untapped potential.
The Timberwolves, led by key bench players like Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid, have transformed into a team that performs well on both offense and defense, similar to the 2020 Lakers. Some are questioning if their success could mark the beginning of a potential new legacy, resembling the Lakers’ impressive bubble performance.