It’s hard to say what combination of emotions and self-reflection brought (Dwight) Howard to this place. But listening to him talk Friday, it felt as if the place he was in was a good one.

He took ownership of his failures. He acknowledged his responsibilities to this team and the Lakers franchise.

“I think it starts with me,” Howard said with surprising candor. “I have to really come out every night with the same intensity and the same effort. When I get tired, I can ask coach to take me out. I think it starts with me. I have to do a better job of playing hard. I’m going to try.”

via Ramona Shelburne of ESPN Los Angeles