Can Dwight Howard Ever Live Up to the Expectations He's Created?

Dwight Howard comes to the Lakers seeking some redemption. In the past 18 months, his image has taken countless hits, be it from trade demands, the firing of Stan Van Gundy or his general dealings with the media surrounding his status as the Magic's franchise player.

With his move from the Magic to the Lakers, Howard brings with him more than his franchise-altering talent or his superstar status. He also trudges the baggage of his past mistakes and brings it to one of the major NBA media markets. Howard will learn quickly that being an elite player in Orlando is a bit different than doing so in Los Angeles.

So, rebuilding his image and living up to the expectations that have been created will be no easy task. Is Howard up to it?

I'd say yes.

Howard may be joining one of the marquee franchises in the league, but he's not doing so as the lone star that will be expected to carry the Lakers to the promised land. With Steve Nash's acquisition and Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant already in house, Howard must simply find a way to fit in.

Howard can simply focus on playing basketball and meshing his skills with those of his teammates.

In his introductory press conference, Howard seemed to understand that clearly by speaking to his desire to play hard, give his all every night and focus on controlling the paint on both sides of the floor. By shifting the focus away from his past transgressions and to what he'll bring to the floor, Howard has already taken the first step in changing the narrative to how he can help the team on the hardwood rather than be a distraction off it. 

This can't be overstated: despite what drama may follow Howard across the country, what will matter most is what Howard brings to the floor each night—how he plays in the games.

Howard's ability to be a defensive monster and impact the game on that end of the floor first and foremost will endear him to his teammates, the fans and the media. Add to that his ability to play an exciting, above-the-rim-style on offense, and Howard will further make his game the main story. Howard must simply play up to the standard he's set for himself over his career to this point.

Of course, there will be obstacles.

Howard must first get healthy enough to actually see the floor. His ongoing back rehab has opened up questions as to whether he'll be ready to start the season. The longer he goes in street clothes, the easier it will be for what's happening off the court to be the story that sticks in the spotlight.

Even beyond his health, there will be questions about his willingness to re-sign with the Lakers once the season ends and his contract expires. These will be storm clouds that hover over his tenure with the team until they're resolved.

All that being said, if there's one team that is used to being in the middle of drama, it's the Lakers.

Kobe Bryant has seen his fair share of controversy over the years, at one point issuing his own desires to leave the team via public trade demands. Plus, every season, the team seems to find itself engulfed in some controversy—last season it was the trades of Lamar Odom and Derek Fisher that brought into question the organization's direction and whether they could be successful long-term.

What's clear, though, is that the team consistently finds a way to compartmentalize these issues, insulate themselves from the swirling controversies and move forward in a positive manner. Mostly that comes from winning, but it also comes from being the Lakers with the experience of being in the middle of a media storm countless times before. No organization is ever really comfortable in these situations, but some handle them better than others.

The Lakers would be one such franchise.

For Dwight Howard, it's not a matter of if he'll find his stride in Los Angeles but when. And once he does, he may find the expectations to live up to are completely gone. But he will find them more manageable. That should only aid in him being able to perform at his best, which should only further help him focus on what matters most when playing for the Lakers: winning.

It will not be easy, but there's a clear path to get there. Dwight must simply live up to his end within the structure that's already in place.

I believe he'll be ready to do so.