After Avery Bradley opted out of the NBA last week, the Los Angeles Lakers may lose out on another player. Yesterday, during a conference call with reporters, Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka expressed his doubts over Dwight Howard’s chances to feature.

He said, “One of his (Howard) sons, a 6-year-old son, did lose tragically his mother several weeks ago. We have been working very closely, and I’ve been in contact with Dwight often and his agent. We’re going to continue to work through those extenuating circumstances with Dwight, support him, support his 6-year-old son, and hope for the best that he’d be a part of our roster in Orlando.”

Pelinka also confirmed that they will be signing a replacement player for Bradley. According to reports, J. R. Smith is the leading candidate for that spot.

Will the Los Angeles Lakers be able to manage without their stars?

Last week, veteran wing Danny Green said that the Lakers needed both players to go all the way. “I think it’s just important that we’re together. Obviously we’re going to need Avery Bradley, we’re going to need Dwight Howard to be playing for us to have a chance. But I think it’s important that we stay healthy, and not just our team but the league.”

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If Howard is unable to participate, it will result in added responsibility for JaVale McGee. Though Howard has come off the bench, McGee has played lesser minutes than him. Moreover, even though he has said he will be comfortable, McGee has asthma.

“I’m definitely comfortable,” McGee told the Los Angeles Times. “We’ve been away for a while now and we’ve been COVID-free for this long. I definitely think we’ll be OK as long as we take the necessary precautions.”

But if Howard does end up joining the Lakers camp, he will be motivated to win the first ring of his 16-year career. This will be his best chance to win since 2009. At that time, he was with the Orlando Magic. They lost to the Lakers in the NBA Finals, who had a gentleman’s sweep over them.

The ultimate responsibility for the Lakers lies with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The pair have had a great connection in the regular season and will be looking to carry their form into the postseason as well. If they are at their best, they will be unstoppable.