Lakers Nation Week in Review: Lakers Sign Dwight Howard, Continue Great Summer

Elliot Anavim

12 years ago

In one of the busiest weeks of one of the busiest summers in Lakers off-season history– one that saw the Dwama known as the Dwightmare finally end— Kobe summarizes it best via his Facebook page: “Wow, what a summer Jimmy and Mitch have had so far. Unreal!” This, after Laker’s GM Mitch Kupchack said that he “didn’t expect major changes” this off-season except for some “tweaks.” Yet, he completed arguably one of the greatest summers in Lakers history.

Dwight Howard holds up his Lakers jersey at press conference

Improve at the PG position? No problem let me acquire Steve Nash for just a player exception and Draft picks. CHECK

Improve the bench? That’s easy let me convince Jamison to sign for the minimum, re-sign Jordan Hill, and then finally signing Jodie Meeks on the heels of acquiring Dwight Howard. CHECK

Set the Lakers up long-term without sacrificing our short-term window of opportunity? Give me a minute while I get the best center in the NBA while keeping Pau Gasol, get a franchise player that not only allows us to compete for the foreseeable future, and, as previously mentioned, mercifully end the Dwightmare for all NBA fans. CHECK CHECK CHECK

That’s right. In case you have been living under a rock or something. The Lakers acquired Superman himself –Dwight Howard– in a 4-team blockbuster trade just four weeks removed from acquiring future-Hall-of-Farmer, Steve Nash from the Phoenix Suns. Lakers Nation’s own, Daniel Buerge, summed it up real well. “The NBA just got Mitch-Slapped”.

Let’s not forget this wouldn’t be possible without the fiscal support of Jim Buss. Once much maligned, the son of the greatest owner in sports, has done nothing this summer but convince Lakers fans that we—like the people who have Allstate insurance- are all in good hands.

Indeed Kobe, this summer really has been unreal for all Lakers fans. Let’s take a look back in THE week Lakers Nation will not forget in awhile.

TEAM USA NEWS AND GAME RECAPS

Team USA semi-final game vs. Argentina highlights

Kobe receives drug test after Olympic game

Team USA age limit not likely for 2016 games

Kobe Bryant confirms he won’t return for 2016 Olympics

Team USA pool play highlights vs. Argentina

Team USA Gold Medal Game highlights vs. Spain

NBA AND LAKERS NEWS

Lakers agree to terms with Jodie Meeks

Shaq says Dwight Howard has got “big shoes to fill”

Lakers Nation bids farewell to Andrew Bynum