Orlando Magic fans likely will voice displeasure toward Dwight Howard in his first appearance there Tuesday since his hasty exit during the off-season.
“I’m going to get more love than Dwight on this trip,” Earl Clark said, laughing.
Clark was considered just a throw-in involving the trade that brought Howard to the Lakers from Orlando. He appeared in only 88 games through two seasons in Orlando.
Clark has emerged as a surprising contributor for the Lakers, taking over Gasol’s spot in the starting lineup and averaging 8.2 points and 6.2 rebounds in 23.9 minutes per game. But Clark maintained he doesn’t have any added motivation to play well against Orlando.
He reserves that for the Phoenix Suns, who drafted him 14th overall in 2009 and rarely played him before trading him the following year to Orlando.
With the Magic, Clark became buried behind Ryan Anderson and Glen Davis on the depth chart.
“Phoenix never really gave me a fair shot,” Clark said. “With Orlando, it was tough. I didn’t have a resume and the coaches didn’t know what I could do. Phoenix is more of a place I want to do well.”
RELATED:
Dwight Howard believes return to Orlando will be “emotional”
Dwight Howard amused by Orlando Magic’s “Forget You” parody
Metta World Peace overcomes poor shooting night with strong defense against Chicago Bulls
Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter. E-mail him at mark.medina@dailynews.com