Saint18 wrote:The big assumption has been that the Lakers with all their flashbulb opportunities would be where Howard lands, but ESPN’s Ric Bucher said in a chat Friday that doesn’t look like the case at the moment.
Lakers have slipped on Dwight’s list for reasons beyond (Bynum being “untouchable”). I’d rank his preferences in this order: Orlando, Dallas, NJ, Lakers. But for Orlando to keep him, they’re going to have to make some serious deals, ones that I’m really doubtful they can pull off.
Bucher is clueless.
If Dwight has Orlando #1 than he can just end all the speculation and sign the extension they have on the table ... he hasn't and that leads me and everyone else to believe he is ready to bolt. Even if the "amnesty clause" comes in and the Magic can scratch Arenas out, they still are stuck with Hedo, two average PF's, a no-defense aging PG and basically nothing at the SG position ... that team is not built to win a title in the next decade. Do they think they can land a star by trading the rights to Fran Vasquez? Hahahahaha.
And ... Dallas ... Dallas? Give me a break. I don't think Orlano is going to be interested in dealing Dwight for Roddy, Domninique Jones and a re-signed Tyson Chandler do you? Dallas would have to trade Dirk, Roddy, Nique and Chandler for Howard and Hedo and what would that mean? It would mean the Mavs would suck!
And .... New Jersey .... New Jersey? The Nets won't even make the playoffs next year! They could trade Lopez sure but he is no Bynum and something tells me Dwight would find playing with Kobe, Pau, Odom and Artest a little bit more promising than playing wioth Deron William and a bunch of trash ... or, perhaps he's just waiting to see if Kris Humphries re-signs to make his move to Jersey and get to check out Kimmy K every game ... I don't think so.