Dwight Howard to LA: Why Lakers Kobe Bryant May Have His Eye on Deron Williams

Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to Dwight Howard trade rumors and scenarios for what seems like years at this point, but could the superstar guard have his sights set on recruiting another big name free-agent-to-be, like Deron Williams, instead?

Either because of increasing chances that there will be no NBA season next year or in an attempt to help speed the negotiating process along by instilling fear in the team owners, Williams agreed to a one-year contract with the Turkish basketball team Besitkas.

And now ironically, or maybe not so much, Besitkas is apparently in negotiations with Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant. Should Kobe agree to a deal, he would join forces with Deron Williams next year in Turkey if the a new CBA is not instituted.

Is this a coincidence? 

Maybe, but probably not. This could be an attempt for Kobe to experiment what it will be like to play along side Williams, who is a free agent after next season.

If the two develop a chemistry, Kobe most certainly will recruit Williams to join him in one of the largest basketball markets in the world.

But what about Howard? For the longest time media outlets have been speculating that the Lakers would put together a package consisting of Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom for the superstar center who averaged 22.9 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game last year.

Surely that is still the Lakers' plan?

Don't be surprised if it isn't. Howard would be a great fit defensively for Los Angeles. His low post presence cannot be matched by anyone else in the league, and he is widely considered the best rebounder and shot blocker the NBA features.

While Howard's contribution on defense cannot be ignored, the potential problems his presence could cause on offense may overshadow it.

Usually, a scoring threat down low in Howard and another one outside in Bryant would be extremely effective, but this duo has the potential to fail.

Why exactly?

Remember the whole Kobe and Shaquille O'Neal debacle? A Howard and Kobe pairing could prove to be just as dangerous.

Howard may have a more humble attitude than Shaq, but if he comes to Los Angeles, he will not accept the label of "second fiddle," even if it is to Kobe.

Kobe has matured since his days with Shaq, but he is still the Lakers primary offensive option, with whom the offense runs every play through. Bryant and his 25.3 points per game will take a backseat to no one. Not even Howard.

But wouldn't Howard be OK with being the second option? Sure, but Kobe is also the second option for the Lakers.

Los Angeles' system designed and fitted around Kobe, and Howard disrupts that. Williams' job would be to facilitate the offense, which runs through Kobe, thus making him the better fit.

Howard takes touches away from Bryant, and while this will not deter Kobe from teaming up with Howard, he may search elsewhere to recruit someone he believes to be a better fit.

Additionally, the Lakers currently have two solid big men in Pau Gasol and Bynum, who while they command respect, do not command the amount of touches Howard does.

They are not as prominent as Howard, and as humble as Howard is, their egos are smaller than his as well.

Gasol and Bynum have already proved they fit in with Los Angeles' play style. Bynum's progression is coming along slower than anticipated, and Gasol had a subpar postseason this year, but nonetheless they form a proven low post dynamic.

An effective point guard is something the Lakers lack though. Derek Fisher has been stellar, but he is almost 37 and declining fast.

Williams on the other hand is 10 years younger, and his 20.1 points and 10.3 assists per game aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

Debates will continue as to whether Kobe and Williams signing on to play in Turkey is an attempt by them to force the owners' hand in the negotiating process or just an option that allows them to stay sharp and on top of their game, but we must be sure to not turn a blind eye to the obvious.

And it's obvious that a Kobe and Williams pairing in Turkey could lead to one in Los Angeles, thus becoming a conspiracy fit rival the one struck between LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.