Dwight Howard interview CBS LA

[Kilroy]

The Lakers have every intention of locking Dwight up for the max...
The only way that doesn't happen is if Dwight won't sign. Which with every day seems more and more of a long-shot.
But if he refused to sign, I don't think anyone would be overly upset about it.

Well, anyone but players signed to contracts through next season... Because if Dwight walks, it's blow-up time, and I'm guessing every effort will be made to trade all expiring contracts but Nash and Kobe.

[Mad Guru]

wow, this topic brought out the best in Laker fans.

[The Prodigy]

Dwight Howard definitely has his warts, not the least of which are his lack of intelligence (basketball or real world) and inability to handle the media/keep his mouth shut. On the floor, his post moves are limited, his passing is bad and his free throw shooting woes have been well publicized. He's clearly not a #1 or #2 option on offense, which he is yet to realize.

With that said, option A and B for the Lakers should still be to resign him. While he might not be on the level of past Laker great centers, he is still a very good player and the best center in the NBA at the moment (especially when 100% healthy). As Lakers fans, we have been spoiled with superstar after superstar coming to LA. However, there is no guarantee this is going to continue, considering the new financial landscape of the NBA and the dysfunction in our FO. Just because a player has faults doesn't mean he's "not worthy of the purple and gold." It's in our best interest to lock Dwight up and somehow try to help him correct his past mistakes off and on the court.

[DEEP3CL]

Dwight's not staying........too quirky of a guy. He's gonna leave 30 mil on the table.

[AcecardZ]

Dwight's not staying........too quirky of a guy. He's gonna leave 30 mil on the table.

Dwight not going anywhere else and once he recovers completely from his back surgery and torn labrum you'll be thrilled with his play even if he has a somewhat limited offensive game and is the worst free throw shooter in the league.

[soxfan2003]

I'm not a Laker fan but I can't picture Howard leaving LA unless he is scapegoated this playoffs in a *major way* by the LA media/fans which I don't anticipate happening. LA should make the playoffs and may be able to beat the Clippers in the first round if those 2 teams meet up. Against the Thunder or Spurs, they should be able to at least extend those teams to 6 games and if they play great possibly pull off an upset.

From a basketball perspective in the short to intermediate term, Houston does make a lot of sense but if you were very wealthy and rich would would you rather live in LA or Houston? I've worked in Houston for 6 weeks and to me its an easy decision even though Houston is a big city as well.

Logically with the cost of living and tax rate differences, I don't think finances will be enough of a factor for him to stay in LA just based upon the contract value. I think its the other factors that will keep him with the Lakers.

I am anticipating Howard entertains a Houston offer to make the Lakers sweat a bit but unless the Rockets have a salesman like Pat Riley, I don't anticipate him leaving. In the slight chance he does leave, Houston would be the place that makes sense since Brooklyn has no cap room.

[GAME TIME]

I'm not a Laker fan but I can't picture Howard leaving LA unless he is scapegoated this playoffs in a *major way* by the LA media/fans which I don't anticipate happening. LA should make the playoffs and may be able to beat the Clippers in the first round if those 2 teams meet up. Against the Thunder or Spurs, they should be able to at least extend those teams to 6 games and if they play great possibly pull off an upset.

From a basketball perspective in the short to intermediate term, Houston does make a lot of sense but if you were very wealthy and rich would would you rather live in LA or Houston? I've worked in Houston for 6 weeks and to me its an easy decision even though Houston is a big city as well.

Logically with the cost of living and tax rate differences, I don't think finances will be enough of a factor for him to stay in LA just based upon the contract value. I think its the other factors that will keep him with the Lakers.

I am anticipating Howard entertains a Houston offer to make the Lakers sweat a bit but unless the Rockets have a salesman like Pat Riley, I don't anticipate him leaving. In the slight chance he does leave, Houston would be the place that makes sense since Brooklyn has no cap room.

I have concerns of Howard bolting to Houston and maybe his best friend Josh Smith joining him there too. I don't know how much cap space Houston will have if they can fit both of them on the roster. Plus I saw him sitting next to Harden @ AS weekend. Houston doesn't have state taxes, but the Lakers have bird rights, he should still make more money here along with his endorsements.

Plus, Howard did make a statement that he will base his decision on winning. Harden is young, maybe his buddy Josh Smith who got some years left and Howard will scheme to Houston. Kobe, Nash and Gasol on at the end of the tunnel. Howard could be more the leader on that team @ Houston.

I wouldn't do anything like amnesty Pau and bring in Josh Smith. I think the Laker franchise of bringing in the players has a proven track record. If the Lakers miss or get worked in the 1st round, no way Dan Tony is going to last long here, not because of Dwight, but it's the Lakers way of business, they are serious about winning. I would hope Dwight stays here, but I can see him ditching to Houston if they have the cap space to attain both smith and Howard, with Josh Smith in Dwight's ear to come to Houston

[Jetset]

Houston can only afford one max FA. I don't see what the big deal is of him sitting next to Harden, I'm sure plenty of stars from other teams also sat next to each other. And I highly doubt something as minuscule as a state tax would influence anything a multi millionaire athlete does. They practically hand thousands to strippers any given night.

[GAME TIME]

Houston can only afford one max FA. I don't see what the big deal is of him sitting next to Harden, I'm sure plenty of stars from other teams also sat next to each other. And I highly doubt something as minuscule as a state tax would influence anything a multi millionaire athlete does. They practically hand thousands to strippers any given night.

I just through it out there. It's not a big deal to me, but didn't expect it to get the whole focus of a poster's reply

[craig01]

Everything Dwight has ever said pubilically has been about he loves it here and wants to stay. That's good enough for me right now, so I spend much time thinking out it.

Sounds familiar.....

[Jetset]

Everything Dwight has ever said pubilically has been about he loves it here and wants to stay. That's good enough for me right now, so I spend much time thinking out it.

Sounds familiar.....

It'll really be deja vu once he starts publicly demanding trades and saying those things, all while wearing Brooklyn snapbacks during post game pressers. We'll really be in trouble then, I just hope we see the signs and can take the hint when that time comes. I'd hate for us to get trolled by this guy.