Lakers Trade Rumors: Why Blockbuster Deal for Dwight Howard Still Makes Sense
A blockbuster deal for Dwight Howard still makes sense for the Los Angeles Lakers, and they should pull the trigger on it.
Despite reports now saying that Howard is staying in Orlando for at least another year, the Lakers should still try to acquire the three-time Defensive Player of the Year.
This is a worthwhile move for the Lakers because their team needs a roster shakeup. Howard is a once-in-a-lifetime talent, and he could form an amazing partnership with Pau Gasol.
Stir the Pot
The Lakers are not a championship-level squad right now, which is obvious. They’ve been the subject of trade rumors all year, ever since their vetoed Chris Paul trade before the season started.
Supposedly, they have also had internal struggles, which have required numerous team meetings and caused players to speak out about what is wrong with the team.
It’s time to shake up the roster a bit. These players have become too privileged; many of them have a championship ring, which has convinced them that they are better than everyone else.
While that may be true for some, it isn’t for most of them.
The Lakers should bring in Dwight Howard and get rid of some baggage in the process. Get rid of Metta World Peace, Steve Blake and even Derek Fisher. It’s time to stir things up to try and get different results.
Now or Never
Howard is the best center in the NBA. Granted, the second best one is Andrew Bynum for the Lakers, but there is a pretty big gap between the two of them, especially on the defensive end of the floor.
Howard’s natural ability and athleticism are unparalleled. Bynum is a very nice player and even an All-Star, but he cannot compare to the sheer physical dominance that Howard can bring to the table.
Howard is averaging over 21 points and 15 rebounds on the year, and could probably do that even while having to share the ball with Kobe Bryant. He only averages about 14 shots per game, which is only about 1.5 shots more than Bynum does.
The most significant advantage that Bynum has is that he is a much better free-throw shooter than Howard. However, that won’t really matter in LA, because it will be Bryant, not Howard, that will need to take those late, game-winning free throws.
Bynum is great, but Howard is a once-in-a-lifetime player. If the Lakers don’t capitalize on an opportunity now, they may never have another and live to regret it.
A Better Duo
Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol would form one of the best, most versatile front-court duos of all time.
Howard is better and more athletic than Bynum. He could help take a lot of the defensive pressure off Gasol, allowing the Spaniard to focus more on offense and scoring.
Howard’s points might decrease, but his likelihood of winning a championship would skyrocket. He’d have a talented big man next to him, a Hall-of-Fame scorer on the perimeter, all while becoming a part of an organization that is all about winning.
Not to mention the fact that, when Bryant and Gasol get older and retire, Howard will be the No. 1 guy at the most-storied franchise in NBA history. The Lakers would be set up to continue winning around the play of Howard.
This trade would be beautiful for the Lakers, especially if they can keep Gasol. They should pull the trigger and make it happen. Otherwise, the end may be near for the Laker dynasty.
