Frank LorenzoThere’s an ESPN report that mentions that Dwight Howard won’t signed an extension with the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s heading to the Houston Rockets because he can’t deal with Mike D’Antoni and Kobe Bryant.
ESPN Chris Broussard on Twitter: Sources said Dwight Howard unlikely to re-sign with the Lakers. Dallas and Houston the favorites. Main issue w/Lakers is Mike D’Antoni’s system
Howard will get an extra $30 million if he stays to a five year deal with the Lakers, which should be the easy call for most players, but not for Dwight who’s a star that wants to win without commitment, and doesn’t want to carry with the load if the team stinks. That’s his logic.
Howard will meet with Dallas, Houston and Atlanta before meeting with the Lakers once teams are allowed to contact free agents beginning July 1.
According to sources, Howard doesn’t think he can enjoy playing in the system of Mike D’Antoni because the coach doesn’t maximize the value of the big men.
Also, Howard hasn’t had lots of chemistry with Kobe Bryant, who’s known for being that ‘in your face guy’ that wants to win no matter what. Dwight doesn’t respond well to that as he’s an immature, sometimes very dumb kid who doesn’t care that much about winning, despite the fact he’s pretty talented to be one of the great ones.
Howard will likely be in Houston for the next few years; coach Kevin McHale is selling the fact that he used to play forward in the NBA, and he understands the position and what it takes to be a playmaker.
The Lakers are 20/1 to win the NBA Championship next season, but that number could be even higher if Howard doesn’t return next year.
