Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss recently addressed the persistent rumors surrounding the breakup of the 2020 championship roster. In an effort to set the record straight, Buss firmly denied any intentional move to dismantle the team and pointed to Dwight Howard’s decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers as a significant turning point.
During an appearance on Dwight Howard’s podcast “Above The Rim with DH 12,” Buss took the opportunity to clear up the misconceptions about the roster changes. She emphasized that the Lakers had every intention of keeping the championship team intact but faced significant challenges due to salary cap constraints and the timing of contract negotiations.
Buss highlighted that Dwight Howard’s departure was not part of the Lakers’ plan.
“You took an offer from the Philadelphia 76ers,” Buss told Howard during the podcast.
Jeanie tells Dwight Howard he could’ve returned to the Lakers after the 2020 championship 👀
Dwight proceeds to sing to her: “I’m [still] in shape for basketball, so Jeanie give me one more chance.” 🤣🎶 pic.twitter.com/9p3JxRMZNu
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) October 13, 2024
Howard had been a key player in the Lakers’ 2020 championship run, and his decision to sign with the 76ers caught the organization off guard. Howard expressed his disappointment during the podcast, stating that he had hoped to return to the Lakers and was saddened by the turn of events.
The Lakers, like many NBA teams, faced difficult decisions due to the league’s salary cap. Buss explained that these financial constraints played a significant role in the team’s inability to retain all their key players from the championship roster.
“It wasn’t a matter of not wanting to keep the team together,” she said. “The salary cap limits what we can do, and we had to make some tough choices.”
Dwight Howard shared his side of the story during the podcast, revealing that he felt hurt by the situation and had difficulties with his agent at the time.
“I was sad. I wanted to come back, and I don’t know what had happened,” Howard said.
He admitted that the complexities of contract negotiations and agent issues added to the confusion and ultimately led to his decision to sign with the 76ers.
Despite the roster changes, Buss praised Howard’s contributions to the Lakers’ championship victory and acknowledged the importance of every player on the team. She expressed hope that fans would remember the incredible journey and success the team achieved together.
“Dwight was a crucial part of our championship run, and we will always be grateful for his efforts,” Buss said.
As the Lakers continue to build their roster and strive for future championships, Buss remains focused on creating a competitive and successful team. She reassured fans that the organization is committed to making strategic decisions that align with their long-term goals, even if it means facing difficult choices along the way.
“We’re always looking to improve and build a team that can compete at the highest level,” Buss said. “While it’s never easy to see players leave, we’re excited about the future and the potential of our current roster.”
