"he really doesn't want to go to LA" huh?
lol
The truth is he didn't. Lakers for 2 years were trying to get him. But Dwight didn't want to go the Lakers for couple of reason. One is Kobe explicitly said he will always be the man in LA. Two, he was hesitant following Shaq's career path. But Howard that flip flopper changed his mind.
Kudas to you for sticking to your position. TP
Kobe is also 33 and will retire before Dwight does. And the Shaq stuff is likely less of a big deal than the media makes it out to be. It sounds like a fun story, but why would Dwight make life decisions based on what Shaq didn't do or what Shaq did do?
Isn't it more likely that the Lakers were his #2 option all along and he said he would only do Brooklyn to try to force his wat there? Now that his #1 option seems less likely, he is choosing his #2.
Actions always speak louder than words. Players, agents, and teams leak information (sometimes false) to serve their own agenda.
If you have a direct quote from Dwight Howard himself stating he never liked LA, that is one thing. "Sources" and information leaked in the media is another. Believe all of what you see and only some of what you hear.
But Why the Lakers? I know it a nice short term fix. But in 2 years Nash is 40, and Kobe is 35. What happens then? Dwight will be in the same predicament in 2014. I think this is case Dwight trying to appease people around him. Anyways I owe you an apologize. You had this right all along.
No need to apologize, I've been wrong a number of times myself and am usually stubborn while being wrong. I greatly appreciate it, though. True class.
Personally, I think the appeal is enormous.
From a money standpoint, this is the best NBA market for endorsements and extraneous activities.
From a fame standpoint, he is joining the second best NBA franchise in history with elite superstars surrounding him. Few teams have players as famous now as Kobe, Nash, and Gasol and as famous historically as Magic, Kareem, Shaq, Wilt, etc...
From a current roster standpoint, he has an immediate shot at the championship. Some may think they are too old and not deep enough and they may prove right. But they are a contender.
From a future standpoint, it looks just as appealing to me. Nash has only 2 years on his contract. Pau will be leaving soon too. Even Kobe has hinted towards retirement. This would allow the Lakers to build a team solely around Dwight with cap space. There would be no bigger draw in the NBA than the Lakers with Dwight and cap space. Some free agents in 2015 include Tony Parker, Kevin Love, and LaMarcus Aldridge. All guys that you could easily see jumping to LAL. Just like CP3, Melo, LeBron, and Bosh all changed teams in recent years. There will be new young stars who force their way to Hollywood with Dwight.
And the Lakers have a new $200 million a year television contract (their old TV contract was $35 million). So a repeat luxury tax will barely make a dent in their war chest.
Compare this to Brooklyn. Instead of joining a declining roster with championship experience and short term contracts, he would be joining a declining roster with no championship experience and longer contracts. The Nets will have no flexibility with the Wallace and Johnson contracts. The Lakers will have flexibility with the Nash and Gasol contracts. Big difference.
I thought it would be the Lakers all along because it makes the most sense and is the best option for Dwight out there. In my opinion.
Topic: Dwight Howard Ready To Commit To Extension With Lakers (Read 19796 times)