NBA Rumors: Dwight Howard Thinking Clippers Means Lakers Must Act Fast

The Dwight Howard saga continues to get more interesting with news that the Los Angles Clippers are now on his wish list. If indeed it's true, the Los Angeles Lakers had better step up and do whatever it takes to land the best center in the NBA. 

Chris Sheridan of SheridanHoops.com reported from an anonymous source that's in the know with the Howard trade talks that the Clippers have caught his eye. 

"He’s been watching them a lot. He’s intrigued by the Clippers,” said the source. 

The addition of Chris Paul has given the Clippers new life, and "Lob City" certainly is fun to watch. They're 7-3 and half a game out of first place in the Pacific Division. 

Trading for Howard would be pretty difficult since they dealt a lot of strong pieces away for CP3. Still, if the Clippers were smart, they'd try to work something out for the league's best center.

Since Andrew Bynum has had knee issues before, it makes sense for the Lakers to try and acquire Howard. However, the Orlando Magic want a great deal in return, which has kept the Lakers from pulling the trigger.

But now that the Clippers are reportedly on Howard's list, the Lakers have to push hard for a trade before the season is over. 

Should the Magic not trade Howard at all this season, there will be a mad dash for the center, and the Lakers aren't going to win that battle.

Both teams from Los Angles would have to work a sign-and-trade for Howard if they waited until the summer, whereas a team like the Nets or the Mavericks would just sign him. 

If the Lakers seriously want Howard, making something happen before the trade deadline is crucial. Waiting too long gives other teams a better shot, which won't end well for the Lakers. 

They're playing well right now, but it's mostly just Kobe Bryant. Outside of him, Pau Gasol and Bynum are putting up good numbers, but the Lakers have turned back into the "Kobe Show." 

It's unclear if they can ride the Kobe system all season long and deep into the playoffs, which is why they need to get Howard. 

There's no denying that Howard is an upgrade from Bynum, but in order to get him, the Lakers have to do what's necessary to meet the demands of the Magic. 

Expect many more rumors to swirl in the coming months, but the only way Howard actually gets dealt is if the offer is extremely enticing. 

The ball is in the Lakers court, it's up to them to decide if they want to take the shot on acquiring Howard or sit tight with what they have. Either way, with more teams pursing Howard, the time to make a decision is now.