NBA Rumors: Sluggish Start Proves Los Angeles Lakers Should Chase Dwight Howard

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard confirmed his trade demand still stands even though the rumors and speculation have died down in recent weeks, according to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel.

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Dwight Howard's request to be traded still stands, and the Orlando Magic's general manager doesn't feel the team has done much to change the superstar's mind.

"Nothing has changed," Howard said before the Magic faced the Sacramento Kings at Power Balance Pavilion on Sunday.

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Of the three teams Howard's agent has the ability to speak with, which include the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and New Jersey Nets, the Lakers' slow start shows they should be the ones pushing for a trade the hardest.

The Lakers are 6-4 following last night's win over the Memphis Grizzlies and haven't looked the part of a possible NBA title contender so far.

What makes a deal for Howard more likely now than it was last month is the strong play of Andrew Bynum. The oft-injured center is averaging 19 points and 16 rebounds in 34 minutes per game, all of which represent career highs.

Initial speculation was that the Lakers would have to trade both Bynum and fellow big man Pau Gasol in any deal for Howard, which simply wasn't worth it for Los Angeles. However, now that Bynum is finally living up to his potential, perhaps a deal could be consummated with him as the centerpiece.

Orlando understands its leverage will continue to decline as the trade deadline approaches and will be hard pressed to find a better immediate replacement for Howard than Bynum. The injury concerns are obvious but he's better than getting nothing in return at all.

As for the Lakers, Howard has a much better track record of being a consistent contributor. It's important that they don't become too fascinated with Bynum's recent hot streak and remember how many times those glimpses of talent were derailed by health woes.

If they are able to snag the NBA's premier center without giving up another marquee piece alongside Bynum, the Lakers should jump at the opportunity.

It would give them some much-needed star power to compete with the resurgent Clippers and the combination of Howard and Gasol in the paint would give the Lakers two reliable post scorers to carry the load should Kobe Bryant need some time off.

It's clear that Howard isn't going to suddenly change his mind, so there needs to be a bigger sense of urgency from the Orlando front office to get a deal done. The Lakers' current roster has become stagnant and could use a shake up to get things back on track toward contention.

Combine those two factors and a trade between the two teams begins to make a ton of sense. Only time will tell if both sides realize that.