NBA Trade Rumors: Andrew Bynum Must Be Magic's Main Target for Dwight Howard

It's time for the Orlando Magic to stop playing hardball. Signing star center Dwight Howard to an extension becomes less likely with each passing day, and letting him enter free agency without getting anything in return would be a massive mistake.

The Los Angeles Lakers are interested, and one name that's been tossed around is the resurgent Andrew Bynum, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.com. If the talented big man is truly available, Orlando should jump at the opportunity to acquire him.

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It's widely assumed in GM circles that the Lakers are not willing to surrender both Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol to acquire Howard. Whether or not L.A. relaxes that stance, it's still hard to imagine someone out there being able to trump a multi-team trade construction that ultimately sends Bynum to Orlando.

"The Lakers still have the best pieces to offer," said one team official from the East.

Said another from the West: "If Dwight's getting traded before March 15, it's only going to be to the Lakers."

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Bynum's injury history is well-documented, but he hasn't shown any lingering issues during his first eight games of this season. Actually, he's looked like a completely different player. It seems like he's finally starting to realize his potential, something the Lakers have been waiting on.

If the Magic wait much longer to start getting down to business with trade talks, Bynum might be off the table. The Lakers have waited on him this long, so if he continues to show these glimpses of dominance, they might decide holding onto him is their best move.

Orlando has held out hope that Howard would have a change of heart about an extension, but it's hard to imagine him changing course now. These are no longer behind-the-scenes discussions—everything is out in the public arena for everybody to see.

Magic general manager Otis Smith has failed to bring in enough pieces around Howard to make the team a championship contender, and when push comes to shove, that's all Howard has been looking for. He wants that elusive ring.

So instead of playing with fire and getting burned when Howard walks away, Smith should do everything within his power to acquire Bynum.

There are risks involved to be sure, but there isn't going to be a perfect deal out there. Teams know Howard has asked to be moved, which makes getting full price extremely difficult if not impossible.

Bynum is averaging an eye-popping 17 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks. Even if he's unable to maintain those gaudy numbers following a move to Orlando, getting a player with that type of ability would be a win for Smith.

For Orlando's sake, hopefully he realizes that before it's too late.