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LA Lakers Trade Rumors: Could Dwight Howard Join Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles?

Jim BerdyszJun 7, 2018

Forget the Three Headed Monster of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh down in Miami. How about a Two Headed attack of Lakers star Kobe Bryant and Orlando's Dwight Howard in L.A.?

Now before you jump on the Lakers bandwagon, an epic move like this certainly won't be something that will happen overnight.  Don't worry Magic fans there's still some time, but the hour glass is definitely on the verge of free falling.

The Black Mamba and Superman joining forces.

What a team that would become not only in L.A., but in the entire National Basketball Association.

Let's take a look at what may need to happen to get the two-time Defensive Player of the Year to the Lakers, and what Howard would bring to already one of the NBA's best teams. 

1. They Know Each Other

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The two All-Stars not only played against each other during the 2009 NBA Finals, but also played on the same 2008 Men's Olympic Basketball team that took home the gold medal in Beijing.

Many would claim if Howard and Kobe would in fact team up, they would bring home even more gold and trophies—this time to the city of L.A.

While Howard's free agency is still in question, there is no doubt that they would definitely be a fun team to watch, having the potential of become a back-to-back Championship caliber team.

2. Deja Vu?

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19 Jun 2000:  Kobe Bryant #8 and Shaquille O''Neal #34 of the Los Angeles Lakers looking on during the NBA Finals Game 6 against the Indiana Pacers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.  The Lakers defeated the Pacers in 116-111.  NOTE TO USER
19 Jun 2000: Kobe Bryant #8 and Shaquille O''Neal #34 of the Los Angeles Lakers looking on during the NBA Finals Game 6 against the Indiana Pacers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Pacers in 116-111. NOTE TO USER

Probably one of the greatest team combos next to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant certainly had a great run during their time together in L.A., winning three NBA Championships in a row from 2000-2002.

Dwight Howard could essentially become a better, younger version of Shaq if he came to L.A.

Not only that, the truth is Dwight Howard could follow the exact path as Shaq if he bolted to the Lakers as a free agent in 2012.  Both Howard and Shaq not only started their standout careers in Orlando, but the two centers were former No. 1 draft picks by the Magic as well.

Talk about deja vu.

3. Howard Shoots Down Rumor

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 28: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic reacts to the taunts of a fan as he sits on the bench during a game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 28, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Magic 99-9
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 28: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic reacts to the taunts of a fan as he sits on the bench during a game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 28, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Magic 99-9

A former No. 1 pick denying reports of leaving his team and saying he has no intention to talk about his future as a free agent.

Well, where have we heard something like this before?  Just ask the city of Cleveland.

While Howard has recently shot down rumors of leaving Orlando, it is still certainly something hard for Magic fans to wrap their heads around.  Just two years ago they were in the NBA Finals against the Lakers, and have by far been one the NBA's best teams over the course of the last few seasons, thanks in large part to the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.

Will the face of the team they call Superman soar to a new start in L.A.?

I'll be the first to tell you, if Howard does have any intention to become a free agent and join the Lakers in 2012, let's just hope he doesn't stick it to the city of Orlando on ESPN on a show called The Conclusion.

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4. With Melo on The Lakers, Would Howard Bolt Orlando?

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 13:  Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during a break in the action against the Miami Heat at the Pepsi Center on January 13, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Heat 130-102. NOTE TO USER: User express
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 13: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during a break in the action against the Miami Heat at the Pepsi Center on January 13, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Heat 130-102. NOTE TO USER: User express

And if Dwight Howard wasn't enough.

The upcoming NBA Trade Deadline on Feb. 24 could play a big factor in the Lakers pursuit of Dwight Howard in 2012.

There has been speculation recently that L.A. has in fact been linked to Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony in a potential deadline trade.  With an Anthony and Kobe combo already in place, Howard would be crazy if he didn't at least think about joining the Lakers when he hits the free agent market.

I'm not going to even talk about how much tickets will cost, as the Lakers would claim the NBA's hot ticket away from the Heat, looking to become the top team in the entire league for many years to come.

5. Youth Movement

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 21:  Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant laughs with the championship trophy while riding in the victory parade for the the NBA basketball champion team on June 21, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers beat the Boston Celtic
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 21: Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant laughs with the championship trophy while riding in the victory parade for the the NBA basketball champion team on June 21, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers beat the Boston Celtic

Championships.  Even without Carmelo Anthony, a combo of Kobe and Howard would create the possibility of adding another slew of championships to the Lakers rich history.

Shaq was just 24 years old when he left Orlando to join the Lakers back in 1996.  Howard will be 26 years old next season.  Certainly, with Howard, L.A. could very well be on their way back to yet another dynasty for the next few seasons.

The five time All-Star would bring so much to La La Land, leaving Kobe simply smiling and on his way to arguably becoming the best player in NBA history.

Los Angles Lakers vs. Miami Heat for the 2012 NBA Finals anyone?

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