Dwight Howard to leave for LA

[Argath]

Dwight Howard has an early-termination option on the last year of his contract (2012-13) and thus can exercise it and become a free agent after the 2011-12 season.

And as Ken Berger of CBS Sports notes, there has been some indication Howard hasn't 100 percent married himself to the Magic before their trade deals on Saturday.

"People with knowledge of Howard's thinking said the superstar is on board with Orlando's moves, with one saying he's 'a big fan' of the changes," wrote Berger. "But as he grew restless over the summer about the developments in South Florida, and as the Magic were exposed in recent weeks, Howard privately already was beginning to weigh his options. Like the list of stars he wanted to join him in Orlando, he was forming another list: potential suitors for him. Two teams were on it, according to sources: the Knicks and Lakers."

Like Berger, ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher is also hearing the Lakers whispers, which we've reflected below.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports adds more to all this, writing it's possible it might be championship or bust for Orlando to keep Howard.

"As the Magic GM tore apart one of the best teams in the NBA, the words hung over his every machination," he wrote. "To keep Howard, the mandate's unmistakable: nothing short of a championship."

So while Howard may like the team's recent changes, it's possible how they perform this year and next -- whether the Magic can contend for, or make, the NBA Finals -- may go a long way towards revealing what Howard's future holds.

"The Lakers, one source close to Howard said, are his first choice if he does bolt. Several GMs, players and agents said they've heard the same. The only potential hitch for Howard could be the terms of the next collective bargaining agreement. A faction among NBA owners would like the new labor pact to include a franchise-player tag, a device in the NFL where a team can lock down one player each season from entering free agency."

So this year is melo hype, next year will be dwight howard..

 

[Primetime]

I like you Dwight. Don't go to the Lakers and ruin it for me.

 

[Kuzzy Powers]

I like you Dwight. Don't go to the Lakers and ruin it for me.

Im sure that will cross his mind while making his decision.

 

[Primetime]

Im sure that will cross his mind while making his decision.

A man can only wish. Can you imagine a D12/Gasol or D12/Amare front court? That would be unbelievable, especially with a guy like Kobe, Melo, or CP3 in the back court.

 

[stevsta]

:smug: shades of 96

 

[Maize]

Dwight 2012: Taking his talents out west.

 

[NAHSTE]

I have been lobbying for Dwight to return home for years now. Slowly but surely, he'll break down and do the right thing.

Dwight/Horf/Smoove/Joe/Teague = CHAMPIONSHIP


(just don't ask me about the money)

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Shaquille O'Neal approves of this move.

 

[NAHSTE]

Shaquille O'Neal approves of this move.

As does Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabaar.

Seriously, do the Lakers ever not poach the best active big man in the game?

 

[ralaw]

Howard is going to stay in Orlando. He's a loyal guy and I don't think he has the heart to leave the organization. With all of the moves its pretty obvious Orlando is willing to make whatever move is necessary to compete. They're enamored with getting Chris Paul, so we'll see what becomes of that.

If Bynum can stay healthy LA has their big man of the present and future. However, if they could get Howard and still keep Bynum than look out.

 

[stevsta]

Howard is going to stay in Orlando. He's a loyal guy and I don't think he has the heart to leave the organization. With all of the moves its pretty obvious Orlando is willing to make whatever move is necessary to compete. They're enamored with getting Chris Paul, so we'll see what becomes of that.

If Bynum can stay healthy LA has their big man of the present and future. However, if they could get Howard and still keep Bynum than look out.

I doubt that happens if we land howard we either sign and trade bynum to orlando or find another suitor for him and get some pieces to work with (kobe will be almost out the door )

gasol and howard in the frontcourt :whoner:

 

[EmpireWF]

I have been lobbying for Dwight to return home for years now. Slowly but surely, he'll break down and do the right thing.

Dwight/Horf/Smoove/Joe/Teague = CHAMPIONSHIP


(just don't ask me about the money)

Move over Steve Nash

 

[Lanteri]

I have been lobbying for Dwight to return home for years now. Slowly but surely, he'll break down and do the right thing.

Dwight/Horf/Smoove/Joe/Teague = CHAMPIONSHIP


(just don't ask me about the money)

Are we allowed to ask you about how that team could possibly win a championship? :shifty:

 

[Obst]

Heat will trade everyone again except Wade, LeBron and Bosh and get him.

 

[ralaw]

..... (kobe will be almost out the door )

Don't remind me.....the day he retires will be my saddest NBA moment.

 

[Argath]

i think kobe still has atleast another 3-4 years in the tank.. maybe 5 or 6 if he plays his cards right

 

[NAHSTE]

Are we allowed to ask you about how that team could possibly win a championship? :shifty:

Nobody could attack the rim on that team. The backcourt would be horrendous defensively but it won't matter because we'd be blocking shots on fools all day. Don't ask me about the scoring, still trying to figure out how three limited offensive front court players would work, but fuck it, let's just go with it okay?

 

[tigstah]

As does Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabaar.

Seriously, do the Lakers ever not poach the best active big man in the game?

they didnt go after mutombo......lol.....:club: