NBA Rumors: Kobe Bryant Reportedly Scares Dwight Howard Away from L.A.

It appears as if Kobe Bryant's ego and desire to control the Los Angles Lakers may have taken the organization out of the running for Orlando Magic superstar and potential trade target Dwight Howard.

According to Jarrod Rudolph of RealGM.com, Kobe wanted Howard to come into L.A. and become the team's third option behind himself and Pau Gasol.

Rudolph's report states that Howard was "turned off" by the idea.

This seems to be just the latest setback in the Lakers quest to find another superstar to pair up with Bryant.

The irony of it is, it looks like Kobe was the one that botched this potential trade.

Not only that, but even if the Lakers were somehow able to finagle a deal for Howard after this, Rudolph's report states that he wouldn't sign long-term:

"

The feeling is so strong, in fact, that Howard's representatives have informed the Lakers that Howard would not sign an extension if they trade for him this season, according to a source. The only two teams with a realistic chance at signing Howard long-term are the New Jersey Nets and Orlando Magic.

"

Oh Kobe, you really screwed up bad this time.

Even if he felt deep down in his heart that he wanted Howard to be the No. 3 option for the Lakers, there is no way he should have ever come out and said that.

Are we talking about a NBA rookie or Kobe freaking Bryant right now?

His team needs help and he obviously is not able to win an NBA championship on his own anymore. Putting a guy like Howard on that roster would make the Lakers instant contenders for as long as both he and Bryant played, but he threw it all away for an ego trip.

Somebody please tell me when the "Black Mamba" became the general manager for the Los Angeles Lakers?

It's funny how clutch one man can be on the court, but when it comes to the court of life and common sense he just doesn't have the "it factor."

Lakers fans, one day when you're watching Howard win a NBA title with some other team, remember this article.

You'll have Kobe Bryant to thank for that moment.