LOS ANGELES _ Dwight Howard officially signed his one-year, nonguaranteed contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, after clearing the league's waiver wire.
To make room for Howard, the Lakers waived forward Aric Holman.
In his career, Howard has averaged 17.4 points, 12.6 rebounds and two blocks per game. He helps the Lakers fill a need that arose when DeMarcus Cousins suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament two weeks ago.
Howard returns seven years after the Orlando Magic traded him to the Lakers for the 2012-13 season. The Lakers had hoped to compete for a championship with Howard and Steve Nash in the fold, but with both players hampered by injuries, they made a first-round exit instead. Howard then left in free agency despite the Lakers' recruitment efforts.
The eight-time All Star, who has won three defensive player of the year awards, only played in nine games last season as he recovered from spinal surgery on his lower back. A person familiar with his condition said Howard is 100% healthy now.
The Washington Wizards traded him to Memphis this summer. The Grizzlies reached a buyout agreement with Howard last week, freeing him to sign with the Lakers.
