It’s the Dwightmare, Part II.
The Orlando Magic had to deal with Dwight Howard and his trade rumors for almost two years until the franchise eventually traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Magic had to constantly live with questions about Howard’s future and the rumors tore the team apart. Fans in Orlando began to view Howard differently and his legacy with the team may have changed due to the rumors.
Still, even though Howard is now a Laker, that doesn’t mean the rumors are over quite yet. Howard still hasn’t signed an extension with the Lakers, so there is still a chance that the ends up with another team this time next year. Although Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak believes he can make Howard stay, Fox Sports West writes that ‘Superman’ isn’t ready to commit to the Lakers yet.
‘I think the best thing to do is talk about it at the end of the year,’ Howard said. ‘We just went through that last season, basically, and I don’t want to go through it again or see anyone have to go through it. This is going to be my decision, and I’m going to wait till the end of the year. But I’m happy to be in L.A. This is a great place. I love the coaching staff and I love the organization for everything they’ve done for me since I got traded here. Hopefully I’ll have a long career here in L.A.”
The Lakers have arguably the most talented team in the NBA and Howard has never played on a team like this. The Magic were a solid team, but the Lakers have the chance to do things that no other team has ever done before. Metta World Peace talked about going 73-9, and if this Lakers team can stay healthy, that could be an (unlikely) possibility.
Although Howard will miss some time with due to his back injury, Los Angeles could be the place were the former Magic star hoists the Larry O’Brien trophy for the first time.
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In case you missed it – Dwight Howard talks about starting over in Los Angeles
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