When Dwight Howard spoke to reporters for the first time following his Houston decision, he mentioned several things that supposedly led to his decision. While he said that he ultimately chose the Rockets over the Lakers because he felt they were his best opportunity to win the championship, he also was asked about the ever-looming Phil Jackson, and if that would have had an impact on his final decision.
According to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld, Howard admitted that he asked the Lakers to hire Phil Jackson “earlier in the season.”
When asked if Phil Jackson being coach would’ve affected decision, Dwight Howard said he asked Lakers to hire Jackson earlier in the season.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 6, 2013
There were plenty of assumptions that Howard wanted Mike D’Antoni out of the picture if he was to return to L.A., but getting Dwight to actually admit it is a tad surprising.
Then again, this is the guy that’s burned nearly every bridge he’s ever walked on so I guess it’s not entirely shocking.
Where the Lakers go from here is yet to be seen, but for now, the war of words between the Lakers and Dwight will likely commence.
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