Lakers News: Dwight Howard Is Hurting LA More Than Helping

The Los Angeles Lakers' highly publicized struggles both on and off the court have many calling 2012-2013 a lost season. Freshly acquired center Dwight Howard is an enormous reason for that.

Upon Howard's arrival, the penchant for ballyhooing in "La La Land" was at an all-time high. Considering L.A.'s M.O., that's a pretty tall task.

Still, after adding D-12 and Steve Nash to an already potent tandem of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, no one could argue the Lakers' credentials.  

One coach, 28 losses and infinite amounts of drama later, it's safe to say things haven't worked out as expected. Even so, the level of discord L.A. fans have grown accustomed to this season is mind-blowing. 

With Gasol injured and no fingers pointing at Nash, Howard is left to shoulder the blame.

Despite battling a shoulder injury and being less than a year removed from back surgery, the babied big man's poor attitude has caused the Lakers more trouble than anything.

The much-maligned center has taken criticism for being "soft" from teammates and commentators, and his preseason remarks show why, as he was quoted saying, "When my time is up, there's going to be somebody else who can do everything I can do and probably do it better." (via Fox Sports West)

No wonder he can't get along with Kobe.

D-12's nonchalant attitude about winning, or even playing, may have brought the situation to a boiling point during Sunday's loss to the Miami Heat, when the usually serene Steve Nash was seen yelling at Howard in frustration during the third quarter.

After the game, Nash elaborated on his frustrations, saying, "It's been difficult really to get him into that game – running into pick and rolls, diving hard, looking for the ball. We really haven't found that rhythm from him yet." (via The Orange County Register)

Maybe if Howard actually ran the offense the way one of the greatest point guards in league history wanted, he wouldn't have to complain about not getting enough touches.

Then again, Howard would surely find something to complain about. Whether his back is not 100 percent or opponents are pulling on his injured shoulder, Dwight never runs out of excuses for his poor play.

The problem is, there's no excuse for the Lakers missing the playoffs, and the "Superman" prima donna isn't helping.