Hall of Fame Ex-Laker Offers to Come Out of Retirement Amid Team's Injury Crisis

Dwight Howard, who won a title with the Lakers in 2019, teases a comeback as the team deals with injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:23pm

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The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a significant injury crisis after stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves went down with hamstring and oblique strains, respectively. In the wake of these setbacks, retired Lakers legend Dwight Howard has jokingly offered to come out of retirement and rejoin the team to help fill the void left by the injured players.

Why it matters

The Lakers were surging and building momentum towards a potential playoff run before the injuries struck. Now, they must find a way to weather the storm without two of their best players. Howard's offer, while lighthearted, highlights the team's desperation to find solutions and the nostalgia surrounding his previous championship run with the franchise.

The details

Doncic and Reaves were both injured in the Lakers' recent loss to the defending champions. Doncic suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain, while Reaves sustained an oblique strain. These setbacks come at a critical time, as the Lakers had won 15 of their last 17 games and were solidifying their position in the standings. With the 41-year-old LeBron James now carrying an even heavier load, the team is scrambling to find a way to stay competitive.

  • The Lakers suffered the injuries to Doncic and Reaves in their game against the defending champions on April 4, 2026.
  • Prior to the injuries, the Lakers had won 15 of their last 17 games.

The players

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' star player who suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain in the recent loss to the defending champions.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers' rising young player who sustained an oblique strain in the same game as Doncic's injury.

LeBron James

The 41-year-old Lakers superstar who is now tasked with carrying an even heavier load for the team in the absence of Doncic and Reaves.

Dwight Howard

The retired Lakers center who won a championship with the team in 2019 and has jokingly offered to come out of retirement to help the team during their current injury crisis.

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What they’re saying

“Lmk if I need to come out retirement 😮‍💨”

— Dwight Howard

What’s next

The Lakers will need to find creative solutions to replace the production of Doncic and Reaves as they navigate the remainder of the season with their star players sidelined. The team's championship aspirations may hinge on how they respond to this adversity.

The takeaway

The Lakers' injury crisis highlights the fragility of even the most promising NBA seasons. While Howard's offer was made in jest, it underscores the team's desperation to find answers and the nostalgia surrounding his previous championship run with the franchise. The Lakers must now rely on their depth and LeBron James' leadership to keep their season alive.