Change is in the air for the Los Angeles Lakers, and it’s not just about the on-court action. As the franchise sits in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, a wave of transformation is sweeping through the organization—from the hardwood to the boardroom. At the heart of this evolution is a bold attempt to apply the Los Angeles Dodgers’ celebrated player development model to basketball, all while NBA legend Dwight Howard stirs up headlines with his candid take on retirement and a possible farewell tour.
Few names in modern basketball evoke as much respect as Dwight Howard. The Hall of Famer, who last suited up for the Lakers during the 2021-22 NBA season, left a legacy of dominance and adaptability. That year, Howard averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 61.2% from the field across 60 games (including 27 starts). Though his role had shifted from franchise cornerstone to seasoned role player, his impact remained undeniable. But as the NBA landscape continues to evolve, Howard’s competitive fire burns as brightly as ever.
On February 26, 2026, Howard’s name shot back into the spotlight—not for a thunderous dunk or a game-saving block, but for his reaction to some surprising NBA news. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Taj Gibson, at age 40, had signed a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. Gibson’s return for a 17th season underscored the value of veteran presence in today’s league. Howard, never shy about sharing his thoughts, took to social media with a message that quickly gained traction, amassing over 1,300 likes and 60,000 impressions in just one hour. 22People like Taj Gibson & Al Horford is the reason I ain’t retired. I want a farewell tour,22 Howard posted, injecting both humor and a hint of longing for one last run in the NBA spotlight.
Howard’s journey is the stuff of basketball lore. Selected first overall in the 2004 NBA Draft straight out of high school, he became the face of the Orlando Magic and led them to the 2009 NBA Finals. Over 18 seasons, Howard donned the jerseys of the Magic, Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Philadelphia 76ers. His career averages—15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game over 1,242 contests—speak to his consistency and dominance in the paint. Even as he approaches 40, many believe Howard could still offer valuable minutes off the bench, especially for a contender in need of size and experience. He’s also showcased his skills overseas and in the BIG3, proving that his love for the game is as strong as ever.
One of the crowning achievements of Howard’s storied career came in 2020, when he played a pivotal role in helping LeBron James and the Lakers capture an NBA Championship against the Miami Heat. That season, Howard fully embraced his role as a defensive anchor and energy guy, earning praise for his selflessness and adaptability. It was a far cry from his days as a franchise centerpiece, but it cemented his reputation as a winner and ultimate teammate.
As for the present-day Lakers, the team is locked in a crucial stretch of the 2025-26 season. Entering their February 26 matchup against the Phoenix Suns in Arizona, the Lakers held a 34-23 record, good for sixth in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. Last year, their playoff run was cut short by the Minnesota Timberwolves, who ousted them in five games during the first round. With the postseason looming, the Lakers are hungry to improve on that result and recapture the magic that brought them glory just a few years ago.
But the Lakers’ ambitions extend far beyond this season’s playoff push. In a move that has the basketball world buzzing, the franchise is undergoing a sweeping front office overhaul designed to mirror the Dodgers’ blueprint for sustained success. Mark Walter, the majority owner of both the Dodgers and the Lakers, is spearheading this transformation. Walter’s decision to bring in Lon Rosen—formerly a key executive with the Dodgers—as President of Business Operations signals a commitment to organizational excellence on and off the court.
According to a recent report by Dan Woike of The Athletic, the Lakers are expanding their front office around President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka. The plan? Reform the college scouting staff, build a cutting-edge pro scouting department, and beef up the analytics team. The goal is clear: identify and develop talent with the same precision that made the Dodgers a dynasty in Major League Baseball. The Dodgers’ formula—combining deep pockets with a relentless focus on player development—has produced stars like Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger, as well as hidden gems such as Chris Taylor and Max Muncy. The hope is that the Lakers can replicate this magic in a league with a hard salary cap, where finding value in the margins is essential.
Recent draft results have been a mixed bag for the Lakers. While the team has unearthed contributors like Austin Reaves, they’ve missed on first-rounders such as Jalen Hood-Schifino, and Dalton Kencht has fallen out of the rotation, drawing negative reviews from NBA scouts. Recognizing the need for fresh eyes and new ideas, the Lakers have already made a splash by hiring Tony Bennett as an NBA Draft advisor—the first publicly announced addition to the revamped scouting department. The move signals a renewed emphasis on identifying the next generation of Lakers stars, whether through the draft or savvy pro scouting.
All these changes come as the Lakers prepare for a potentially transformative offseason. With significant cap space on the horizon, rumors are swirling about a possible pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo—a move that would instantly shift the NBA’s balance of power. For now, though, Rob Pelinka remains at the helm of basketball operations, tasked with blending new hires like Bennett and trusted figures like Rosen into a cohesive, forward-thinking front office. The hope is that this blend of baseball-inspired innovation and basketball expertise will yield a new era of Lakers success.
As the Lakers chase another championship and Dwight Howard eyes a possible NBA swan song, one thing is certain: Los Angeles remains the epicenter of basketball drama and ambition. Whether the Dodgers’ model can truly translate to the NBA remains to be seen, but the Lakers are betting big that it will. And with legends like Howard still longing for a proper farewell, the storylines in L.A. show no signs of slowing down.
For now, fans will have to watch and wait as the Lakers push for the playoffs, revamp their front office, and keep one eye on the future. If history is any guide, the next chapter in Lakers lore could be just as thrilling as the last.