Dwight Howard: How Many NBA Titles Does the Orlando Magic Star Need?

Dwight Howard has said that winning remains the ultimate factor in his decision as to whether he will sign a long-term extension with the Orlando Magic.

Shaquille O'Neal has stated that if Howard doesn't finish his career with at least three or four rings, he'll be "disappointed."

What does the big man in the middle need to do in order for his career to be considered a success?

When you're a superstar in the league like Howard has proven to be, statistical prowess just isn't good enough. It doesn't matter how many points he scores, rebounds he grabs or shots he's blocked.

The ultimate measuring stick for others to judge him by will be the number of championships that he can lay claim to when his career has wrapped up.

Howard is already the most dominant center in the league. The reigning three-time Defensive Player of the Year averaged 22.9 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game in the 2010-11 season.

But what does that really mean? Nothing. At least not to Howard.

The questions about his future have been endless. Howard has had to answer the same set of inquiries about his future for over two seasons now, and it's not about to stop anytime soon.

He has made it clear that his preferred choice would be to remain with the Orlando Magic, but that's only if there are significant changes made to the roster and better talent implemented around him.

It's not exactly that easy.

General Manager Otis Smith has very little to offer at the negotiating table in an effort to facilitate a trade to improve the team. Hampered by the bloated contracts of Gilbert Arenas and Hedo Turkoglu, the team has very little wiggle room.

And with the possibility of the new collective bargaining agreement being negotiated with a lower salary structure than in the past, it's going to be tough to be active on the free-agent market as well.

Howard might want to stay with the Magic in an ideal world, but we live in an imperfect one.

If winning is truly the most important thing for him, his best chance at achieving it may come outside of Orlando.

Howard can't afford to have a career defined without a championship.

He wouldn't have a lasting legacy. Stars shine brightly, but legends never fade.

Your move, Mr. Howard.