Dwight Howard: Bold Predictions for L.A. Lakers Superstar's Upcoming Season

Dwight Howard must bare the crushing and dangerous weight of great expectations for the upcoming season.

Fortunately, the superstar center has quite a broad pair of shoulders and should be just fine dealing with the pressure that comes with wearing a Los Angeles Lakers uniform.

With that said, let’s make a few predictions on exactly how well DH12 will perform in 2012-13.

Statistics: 20.5 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 2.2 BPG, 1.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 2.8 TOPG, 59% FG percentage

It would be downright surprising if Howard didn’t have a renaissance season in L.A.

He’s got the perfect teammates in Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and especially Steve Nash to succeed. The two-time league MVP is miles better than any of the point guards that Howard played with during his time with the Orlando Magic.

Considering Superman was the leading scorer when involved in a pick-and-roll play last season, he should be in line to repeat that feat once again and put up major numbers.

Realistically, Howard is going to be an efficient scorer, continue his prenatural rebounding and shot blocking, see his assist numbers drop and field-goal percentage go up. 

Awards: First-Team All-NBA Center, Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-Defense, All-Star Game Starter

Howard is going to have a season for the ages and collect a lot of hardware in the process.

He’s a lock to win the Western Conference starting center job in the All-Star Game, as he’s replacing Andrew Bynum and is a clear upgrade at the position.

Should DH12 continue rebounding like a machine, and swatting away anyone who comes in the lane, he’ll be awarded with both of the top defensive honors that a center can earn in the league. Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks is his only real competition in that regard.

If the Lakers are on top of the West and Dwight is a large reason for that, he’s also almost a lock to be a member of the first All-NBA team. That is quite an honor and shows that he is the premier player at his position.

The only thing DH12 will fail to win is league MVP, but a true center has not won the award since Shaquille O’Neal did it back in 2000. Sportswriters will just not vote for Howard after the trade saga that took place during last season and most of this summer.

Final Thoughts

Dwight Howard simply makes L.A. one of the best teams in the league. The Lakers legitimately have four potential All-Stars in their starting lineup, although the bench depth is practically non-existent.

If Howard can stay healthy, which hasn’t been a problem in his career until last season, this franchise will be seriously competing for another title in the 2013 playoffs.

In fact, if DH12 is motivated and playing his best basketball ever, I dare say the Lakers are the favorites to win it all next season.