The Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic are still talking about a possible block-buster trade that would send Dwight Howard to the Lakers despite the roadblocks it has already faced. There were times were both sides were reluctant to pursue the trade any further, but as the off-season progresses, more heat has picked up.
If this deal does in fact finalize, two pieces are certain, Howard and Andrew Bynum. The Magic know the best replacement for Howard is Bynum and they have always been interested in him. However, the other pieces of this trade have changed on a daily basis.
According to a source from PepperOnSports, the Los Angeles Lakers have informed one of their players that he could be dealt with Bynum very soon in a package for Howard.
The source says the Lakers have informed one player that he might be part of the package deal and that he could be traded at any moment.
The Lakers are “very interested” in acquiring Howard, according to the source.
The Lakers should do whatever it takes to acquire Howard as he would certainly make them the favorites to come out of the Western Conference in the 2012-13 season. A team of Howard, Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol is one that not many opponents will be able to stop.
At first the Lakers were not willing to acquire Howard as said he would not sign a long-term extension with the team. However, Stefan Bondy of the New York Times writes that the Lakers are not worried about Howard’s long-term future with the Lakers. The Lakers are confident they can get Howard convinced to stay for a long time if they can get back to a championship level.