Howard introduced in Houston with former Rockets stars Yao and Olajuwon there to welcome him

HOUSTON – Dwight Howard says he's looking forward to a "fresh start" with the Rockets.

The center was formally introduced in Houston on Saturday after spurning the Lakers to sign with the Rockets, and he was greeted by some of the brightest stars in team history.

Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon and Yao Ming were among those on hand to celebrate Howard's signing.

The Rockets gave him a four-year deal worth about $88 million, a year less and far below the $118 million the Lakers could have offered.

Howard joins a team starring James Harden that reached the playoffs for the first time since 2009 and battled back from a 3-0 deficit before being eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6.