Superman is back.



Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard will participate in the Dunk Contest in Chicago at All-Star weekend, league sources told The Athletic. The NBA has received the commitment of the three-time participant (2007-09), one-time Slam Dunk champion and a potential Hall of Famer to revitalize the energy in this year’s competition.



Howard has had a career resurgence in his return to the Lakers this season, averaging 7.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game and performing as a successful role player. Lakers teammates and coaches have raved about Howard’s productiveness on the floor, compassion as a teammate off the floor and his importance to the lineup.



The Lakers plan to take great cautiousness and care of Howard while he participates in the event in Chicago, understanding his critical role on a championship favorite come the postseason, sources said. Howard turned 34 on Dec. 8. He is an eight-time All-Star, three-time...