Lakers Rumors: L.A. Needs to Forget About Dwight Howard and Move on

With the increasing likelihood that Orlando Magic superstar center Dwight Howard will not be traded this season, the Los Angeles Lakers must forget about acquiring him and move on.

Howard doesn't expect the Magic to trade him anytime soon.

"

“I don’t think they are going to do anything right now because we’re winning,” Howard said after a 104-97 victory over the Sacramento Kings improved the Magic’s record to 6-3. “Even if this is the last season, let’s go out hard, regardless.”

When asked if he expects Orlando to trade him by the NBA’s March 15 deadline, Howard said: “I don’t think so.”

"

The Magic are going to do everything they can to keep their franchise player around for the long-term, and despite the Lakers being one team that Howard is willing to sign a contract extension with, Orlando can find much better offers from other teams than the Lakers.

Lakers center Andrew Bynum is a very good player who has the ability to be a top-tier big man for many seasons, provided he stays healthy.

With that said, the real concern on the Lakers is at point guard, not center. Center is arguably the most important position on the basketball court and right now the Lakers are really lacking a playmaking guard.

Steve Blake, Derek Fisher and Darius Morris are not going to help the Lakers advance past the second round of the playoffs this season. None of them are superior defenders, and they won't perform well consistently either.

If the Lakers want to make another deep playoff run, their weakness at point guard has to be addressed much sooner than making a real run at acquiring Howard.

Not only do the Lakers need a franchise point guard for this season, heading into the future the team will really suffer without a legitimate playmaker running the offense.

Howard in a Lakers jersey is a fun thought for fans of the purple and gold, but there are more pressing needs their team needs to address before it becomes championship caliber again.

Follow @NicholasGoss35