Dwight Howard Rumors: Lakers Could Use a Closer Like D12

Dwight Howard came out on Saturday and said he wanted to be the closer for a team.

What better team than the Los Angeles Lakers?

Howard told (more like ranted to) Fox Sports after the Orlando Magic's 99-94 win over the Milwaukee Bucks:

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"I do want the ball more in the fourth quarter.

"I want to become a closer. The only way you get there is by getting the ball and have coach have the confidence in giving me the ball.

"That's how Kobe (Bryant) and the rest of the great fourth-quarter players got that way. It's trial and error. When Kobe first got in the league, it took him a while to become the killer he is in the fourth quarter now.

"That's because he went through that phase where he had to learn what shots to take and just get confidence in taking shots in the fourth quarter.

"That's one thing that I want for myself, so I can become the guy who finishes games for my team. I want to be that guy whose team wants him to close games out for them. Coach just needs to have confidence in me."

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Frustrated much, Dwight?

The irony in Howard's words is that the Lakers actually need a closer like him. Bryant and the Lakers haven't been closing out games lately, and he would be a nice fit in that regard.

The Lakers are reportedly among Howard's preferred teams to join, as well as the New Jersey Nets and Dallas Mavericks.

It is worth noting that Andrew Bynum is having an All-Star season, so it's less likely that the Lakers would trade for Howard now.

But the fact of the matter is, Howard's the best center in the league, hands down. You pair him with Bryant and who knows what you can accomplish in Bryant's final years in the league.

I also believe bringing a player of Howard's stature to L.A. would invigorate the team. It hasn't just been that they've been flailing in the fourth quarter this season. They also have looked worn out and tired.

And if the Lakers land Howard, Mike Brown would practically be forced to feed the post, something he hasn't done enough of thus far.

Howard would not only add a potential closer to the Lakers, he'd change the dynamics of a team that needs a jump start.