Lakers Rumors: Dwight Howard Studied Game Film with Frank Vogel on China Flight

Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard reportedly made the most of his free time during the team's preseason trip to China.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Howard spent the majority of the flight back to Los Angeles studying film with head coach Frank Vogel, a move the organization viewed as a "great sign."

After revealing he had hit "rock bottom" this summer, the 33-year-old has made a point to dedicate himself to his craft during his second stint in L.A. He told Amick:

"I just want to continue to do better, continue to do what I can to help this team win, be the best person I can be every day in the locker room, on the court, in the film room, wherever we're at. Being the best Dwight I can be. Everybody has a role on this team. And if we do our part every single day, at the end of the season we'll be able to put ourselves in a great position. I'm just trying to do what I can every single day to make my teammates better."

Since his three-year run with the Houston Rockets came to an end in 2016, Howard has been on a different team in each of the past four seasons. He has spent time with six different organizations since leaving Houston, though he never played a game for the Brooklyn Nets or Memphis Grizzlies.

The Washington Wizards traded the eight-time All-Star to Memphis in July. He was later waived by the Grizzlies in August, clearing a path to L.A.

Howard has performed well in purple and gold this season, averaging 6.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 21.7 minutes per game.

His solid start has helped the Lakers open up the season 6-1.

Watching game film may not seem like a big deal, given its a common practice in the NBA. However, Amick noted the fun-loving Howard's "playfulness" in the past rubbed some of the big man's former teammates the wrong way. 

His focused approach to this season has given off the impression that he has changed his demeanor to some extent, and the results have followed.