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Dwight Howard ejected in final Lakers’ game of the season (Video)

By Joshua Santos

Apr 28, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) during the game against the San Antonio Spurs in game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) during the game against the San Antonio Spurs in game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Lakers center, Dwight Howard, had a bad run with the Lakers. With the Lakers on the verge of elimination, down 3 games to none, Howard pick his second personal technical foul after arguing with an official, complaining about physical play inside the paint which was not in his favour.

Some may suggest he intentionally wanted out of the game as they Lakers were getting smacked by overwhelming San Antonio Spurs. It’s not hard to blame him for wanting an early exit towards to off-season but he could’ve handled the whole situation more professionally.

He picked up his first technical in the first quarter when he shoved/elbowed Spurs guard, Corey Joseph, around the head out of frustration when a call wasn’t in his favour. He was complaining about being intentionally fouled by the Spurs in effort to be sent to the free throw line.

It understand Dwight’s frustration. It must be tough to be one of the league’s best centers, with skill, only to be fouled by a defender whose mission is to use his allotted six fouls only to test the referee. Still Howard should’ve known not to persist the officials and bark at them about a no call after he already had one technical.

Howard is set to become an unrestricted free agent this upcoming summer. While Lakers general manager wants Howard to stay in Los Angeles, Howard can test the market and sign somewhere else without the Lakers matching a qualifying offer.

When Howard went to the locker room, Kobe Bryant, who is inactive with a torn Achilles tendon he suffered earlier this month, made his first appearance on the bench with crutches since his injury. Players are usually recommended to stay away from the bench as anything could happen, however as the Lakers dreadful season winded down to a finish, Bryant wanted to join his team for one more last lost. Maybe there’s some sign of symbolism there with Howard to locker room and Bryant to the bench.

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