Thursday, July 19th, 2012 at 9:00 am  |  99 responses

Dwight Howard Ready to Sign Extension With Lakers if Traded?


by Marcel Mutoni / @marcel_mutoni

The Dwightmare is far from over, but it is one step closer to some kind of resolution. Reportedly, anyway.

Having long resisted the idea of playing in Los Angeles — due to concerns about hooping alongside Kobe Bryant, and in the shadow of Shaquille O’Neal’s legacy — Dwight Howard is said to have finally come around.

According to RealGM and ESPN, Howard is now willing to sign a long-term contract extension with the Lakers should they manage to trade for him:

Dwight Howard has long coveted the Brooklyn Nets as his next landing spot, but after a summer filled with daily rumors of four-team trade proposals, the six-time All-Star has moved on from his Big Apple infatuation and is locked in on joining the Los Angeles Lakers, sources say. The Lakers, Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly discussing a three-team trade that would send Howard to the Lakers, Andrew Bynum to the Cavaliers, while the Magic would receive Anderson Varejao and multiple draft picks.

The Lakers are reportedly ready to make the trade, but first need assurance from Howard that he will commit to the team long-term. Sources say Howard is “excited” about the opportunity to play for the Lakers and will re-sign with the team when his contract expires at the end of the 2012-13 season.

Regardless of Dwight’s change of heart about playing in Hollywood, the Orlando Magic are still in no rush to get rid of Howard — nor should they be, despite how grating this whole saga has been for everyone.

The Magic front-office will wait for as long as humanly possible until the right deal materializes for the NBA’s best center, and that could take a while.

Dwight Howard has been in Los Angeles ever since he had back surgery, doing rehab and attending baseball games, and should the stars align, he might be staying there for a long time.

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  • Phil the thrill

    WHO CARES!!!!

  • Dee

    Lakers are known for having elite talent at the center position…with Howard going there, he’d continue that tradition but he’d also be something Shaq was not…an elite defender. They wouldn’t have to worry about Howard not showing up b/c he’s not getting the rock. Howard doesn’t get pushed out of the paint. He rebounds and defends with the best of them. He’d have a power foward who can get him the rock and make teams pay for double teaming…not to mention a closer in Kobe. They could possibly win back to back championships, Kobe could retire and Howard could then be the face of the organization.

  • Fat Lever

    Dwight goes 2 ways more than a skytel pager…S/O to Pharaohe Monch.

  • pposse

    kobe is definately not the type to go out on top like that…IF the lakers with Howard win the next 2 years, 100% guarantee Kobe comes back for one more year atleast.

  • http://Slamonline.com nbk

    Damn. The west is going to be good this year. As a Lakers fan (troll,here), i’m excited about this. We have an OK shot at besting OKC. But with this roster we’d either win, or lose in seven or six games. But could you guys imagine. Nash throwing lobs to Bryant, Howard, and Gasol. They would be a force to be reckoned with. I was somewhat excited about Howard coming here in the rumors, but I was happy with Nash and thought he was going to Brooklyn. But when the Nets bottomed out I thought we had the best chance of landing him. Now we definitely have the best chance of getting him. But Mitch has to be patient and not give up on this, no matter how long Orlando takes. Where else is he gonna go. Houston?

  • http://Roosterteeth.com Caboose

    So Cleveland would get Bynum in exchange for Varejao and draft picks? They’re excited. I’m not.

  • Rainman

    DBZ references? Slam is bak to being my favourite site for ball.

  • http://slamonline.com nbk

    It’s going to be so f*cking annoying when Kobe wins another title or two and we have to listen to people try and compare him to MJ more. Ughphhht that makes me want to slam my face into a porcupine

  • http://www.slamonline.com Redd

    Thurr go Beans attempt at a solid legacy. Least in my opinion which means nothing so relax.

  • http://bebe310.blogspot.com/ anonymous

    orlando is teasing la and every other team in the dwight lottery. the magic`s front office will not accept any deal where bynum or some other all-star caliber pf/c (lopez, horford) isnt going to sign a long-term extension with orl. varejao isnt an elite pf/center. this deal is meaningless to orl.

  • https://twitter.com/StainlessReal Stainless

    he wouldn’t sign the extension with Houston.

  • Trilla

    I don’t understand how a team of Nash, Kobe, Dwight, Pau Gasol, and even Metta World Peace would co exist. 4 of those 5 guys have big egos and Nash has never played in an offense were it doesn’t run through him. The squad looks amazing on paper but something doesn’t click for me.

  • Trilla

    And if Orlando accepts this trade it will probably be one of the biggest snubs in NBA history. Anderson f@cking Varejeo and some draft pics? Are you serious? If I were Orlando I’d take that Houston trade or go to Atlanta for a trade because Atlanta actually has some pieces to trade with (Teague, Horford, pics, expiring contacts). I wish some random team would unexpectedly come out of no where and somehow land Dwight.

  • Dee

    Championships will never taint Kobe’s legacy. He’ll never be better than MJ. He’ll probably go down as the 2nd best shooting gaurd to ever play. Comparing him to Jordan or even mentioning his name should be a compliment in itself but MJ is in a class all by himself. We know Kobe is playing the final 2 years of his contract. I don’t think the Lakers are going to re-sign for 25 million per, especially at the age of 37. I’m hoping he’d settle for less, giving the Lakers a chance of signing more talent to compliment Howard and whoever else is left after Nash hangs it up!

  • Jose

    He says he would agree to sign an extension now, but give it a couple months, it’ll start all over again. because you can say it as much as you want, but he’s still a free agent after the year ends. . and will do what he pleases

  • http://slamonline.com LLC#12

    I used to be a big dwight fan now I just want to kick him in the shin. Horry jr is a stupid nickname, Horry would trade his career for kobes in a second. Having Howard would somewhat detract from the impact nash’s defense (or lack of) would have on LA, though I feel like the improvements to Gasol’s game from playing with Nash wont exist anymore if Howard shows up, but who cares, grab a rebound pau.

  • LA Huey

    If LA pulls this off with Cleveland’s help. They should ship Pau to Houston for all their low cost spare parts…Oh, that’s right, they lost/cut/traded all that in the span of a few weeks.

  • http://www.kb24.com The Seed

    Nash has played without the ball in Dallas, Kobe has been the second greatest shooting guard ever for a while now and MJ stated only Kobe can be compared to him. So MJ recognizes Kobe game, then the comparison is fair if MJ is given it, when you know he is a jealous dude that gives no compliments. Kobe career will be more appreciated when he retires and people really examine his career.

  • http://Roosterteeth.com Caboose

    Not to start this Seed, but the only reason Kobe can be “compared” to Jordan is because their games are similar. You can’t compare Jordan’s GAME to Wilt’s or Kareem’s. You know that, even through your golden lenses.

  • http://www.newyorkshockexchange.com Shock Exchange

    @AllenP gave the best insight into Horry Jr’s career with “if this (D12 trade) goes through … he would have played with four of the best big men in every era of his career.” Now who else can say that … as the theme from Jeopardy plays ad infinitum?

  • http://slamonline.com nbk

    oh lord you are terrible.

  • http://www.kb24.com The Seed

    @Shock Exchange
    Name those players, All I can think of is Shaq and Howard if trade go through. Also didn’t MJ, Bird, Magic play with great players-They each played with at least three or more Hall of Famers. Zeke probably had the least during that era and still won twice. In my eyes Zeke should get more credit.

  • RJ

    Man, Nash/Kobe/X/Pau/Dwight would be an amazing offensive lineup. Pau is going to find Dwight ALL the time.

  • RJ

    Kobe’s going to play like he’s running with Shaq again. That’ll be his mentale.

  • http://www.newyorkshockexchange.com Shock Exchange

    @Seed Concentrate Grasshopper, the true answer lies within. Secondly, why is everybody trying to catch fade with the Shock Exchange? I’m only quoting AllenP … as the theme from Jeopardy plays ad infinitum.

  • http://Roosterteeth.com Caboose

    Shock:
    Hedo Turkoglu–Webber, Duncan, Dwight, Bosh
    Steve Nash–Dirk, Stoudemire, Bynum, Gasol
    Keyon Dooling–Brand, Shaq, Dwight, Garnett
    Jason Kidd–Barkley, Dirk, Mourning, Stoudemire

  • http://www.newyorkshockexchange.com Shock Exchange

    @Caboose You may find this hard to believe but you’ve rendered the Shock Exchange speechless, and that’s hard to do. These were not the guys I was thinking of but heck of an effort off the cuff like that. BREAKDOWN: Hedo – I think it’s too premature to include Bosh as a dominant big man in any era quite yet. He still has work to do. Others may feel differently, however. Webber, Duncan and D12 definitely. Nash – Probably closest to being there, but I think the jury is still out on Stoudemire. I know he was injured but he still needs to prove he’s more than “potential.” He has the pieces with NYK to prove it. Dooling – I don’t think Brand should be in that company. Kidd – Book still out on Stoudemire and but the other three are spot on. Congrats though … you are now on the “ultimate list” and on the Shock Exchange’s radar. I’m checking for you from now on.

    If no one has the answer by tonight I will post it tomorrow morn.

  • http://3ptlegend.livejournal.com 3ptlegend

    Is it any surprise Howard has finally warmed up to the idea of playing with the Lakers ? The smart thing for Howard to do is play as hard as he can knowing the Magic only control his destiny for a few more months.

  • http://www.newyorkshockexchange.com Shock Exchange

    Okay guys I will end the suspense. Who played with Hakeem, Shaq, Duncan and David Robinson? The guy’s name was mentioned on here several times today. Been fun.

  • silverbullet26

    @shockexchange robert horry

  • rand33p

    obvs horry

  • rand33p

    Kobe will end up with 7 rings and go down as the sGOAT … second greatest of all time… not just cuz of rings.. but skill/killer instinct/clutch as f*&$ etc. ….. if dwight comes… peace to the rest of the league … LA all day

  • phil da windmill

    man dwight you a whore for fame if you was a real dude you would help your hometown take that next step fake azz shaq wannabe.

  • lakernation

    Let’s go Lake Show! Cant knock the hustle. We winners in Hollywood.

  • robb

    The Cavs want to talk to Drew but they can’t until the Lakers grant them permission, and the Lakers can’t agree because the Orlando Magic can’t make a decision. The Magic are just as indecisive as Dwight. Trade him already you dumbasses or you won’t get sh*t. What part of it is unclear to you?

  • http://Roosterteeth.com Caboose

    Robert Horry. But there’s also Mario Elie: Barkley, Robinson, Duncan, Olajuwon, Duckworth, Rodman.

  • http://www.newyorkshockexchange.com Shock Exchange

    Caboose is teeing the Shock Exchange up on here son. *waves the white flag* Is it safe to come out yet?

  • http://www.newyorkshockexchange.com Shock Exchange

    Caboose smokin’ that “Siri” son

  • http://slamonline.com Datkid

    man……

  • phil da windmill

    dwight you a h o e point blank period.

  • http://www.nba.com Dacre

    Orlando are playing this like the grot-bag from accounts who tries to hook up with every chick at the end of year party. By the nineteenth try he’s over the punch bowl making an “oh face ” with Mrs Hathermen who comes in every Thursday to do the payslips and you just KNOW he shouldn’t go there but he’s tried too hard and this is what its come to. . . Get out of it ORL.

  • Justin G

    Seed, during the first threepeat Jordan played with one HOFer. During the second, he played with 2

  • http://www.slamonline.com nbk troll

    Lakers should trade pau and mwp for josh smith and Tracy mcgrady.

  • NYballr

    “Dwight Howard…has moved on from his Big Apple infatuation and is locked in on joining the Los Angeles Lakers, sources say.“

    **** Yeah!!!!

    ::Dancing around the living room, and about to go out the door and do some Dwight slams on my 9-foot rim in celebration::

    ︿＿︿

  • LeBrOn 4 MvP!

    DwIgHyt yo wat you done son? real talk, yall just get yo a$$ somehwere, im tired of your shinanigans, ya feel me. just play ball, stop being such a little b***h yall

  • http://www.slamonline.com Redd

    He’s entering free agency no matter what. But how about the NBA adding ad patches to jerseys:/

  • http://www.facebook.com/joe.l.brewer3 BlackPhantom

    @Redd That’s a horrible idea.

  • Yesse

    Hope the deal goes down.

  • ALD

    teams must hate the nets…. someone explain to me how this is a better deal for the magic because i can’t see it at all.

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