After one season of less than dazzling play center, Dwight Howard, is saying bye-bye to the Lakers and its fans. For weeks, there has been a lot of chatter about Howard and what he might do once he became a free agent on July first. Would he re-sign with the Lakers or go elsewhere?
Last night, it became official: Howard was blowing off some heavy recruitment by Kobe and the Laker management and headed to another NBA Team. Apparently, the Lakers were outmaneuvered by the recruiting efforts of Houston Rockets forward, Chandler Parsons.
Howard posted this tweet at 7:57 p.m. Friday ” I’ve decided to become a member of the Houston Rockets. I feel its the best place for me and I am excited about joining the Rockets and I’m looking forward to a great season. I want to thank the fans in Los Angeles and wish them the best.”
For some observers, Howard never demonstrated the type of fierce dominance as a center needed for a championship team like the Lakers. Think Shaquille O’Neal. Nor the leadership qualities needed to take over for Kobe, who is in the twilight of his career.
More on Howard’s decision and what it means for the Lakers and the Rockets here and here.