Why the Los Angeles Lakers Are the Best Fit for Dwight Howard

If it weren't for a guy named LeBron, we could likely label Dwight Howard's expiring contract as the most magnified move in recent NBA history. In a saga that spans multiple seasons, we have seen a head coach fired, a GM replaced and an entire franchise taken hostage. 

Dwight Howard probably won't reserve an hour-long special to announce "The Decision." He didn't host a pep rally to predict eight championship rings in his near future.

But the manner with which he has conducted the entire process has been childish, to say the least. 

Now, the end is finally in sight. But one big question remains unanswered: Who will pay Orlando's ransom?

Early reports indicated that Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov might be signing Howard's checks for the next handful of seasons in Brooklyn, but after a complicated four-team deal hit a snag, it appears that those talks have ceased.

Now, with two teams remaining on a short list for possible destinations, the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers both have to like their chances of acquiring the game's most dominant big man.

But Howard should have a preference.

Though both are backed with historical prowess, the Rockets and Lakers couldn't be more contrasting situations for Howard to join. While Houston continues a lengthy rebuilding process that began with the departure of Tracy McGrady and retirement of Yao Ming, Los Angeles looks primed to contend for the NBA Finals for years to come.

The recent acquisition of Steve Nash shows that the Lakers aren't ready to concede the West to the up-and-coming Thunder. Even with Kobe Bryant in the declining stages of his career, Los Angeles knows they have the pieces in place to make one final run at a ring. Or three.

Three more rings for Kobe would give him eight for his career—a number that could arguably help him surpass Michael Jordan as the greatest player of all time.

But it's not happening without Howard.

Not in the modern NBA.

The Miami Heat just showed us that the assembly of a few superstars and determined role players can produce an NBA title in a short period of time. These days, it seems like the only options are joining a club of superstars or suffering through a multi-year rebuilding process in the basement of the standings.

Since the Nets were unable complete the trio in Brooklyn, only one chance remains for Howard. And it resides in Los Angeles.

Lost in the growing fascination that has smothered the Oklahoma City Thunder is the fact they remain in a small market.

Yes, they have remarkable young talent that can undoubtedly contend for multiple championships, but it remains to be seen if they will be capable of retaining all their young stars. Guys like James Harden and Serge Ibaka will soon require new, multi-year contracts that simply won't be feasible in OKC.

And with the Heat only improving from veteran additions like Ray Allen, the rest of the NBA must fear the makings of a dynasty in Miami.

With Boston's continuous decline, San Anotonio's aging core, and OKC's small-market finances, it will likely take another compilation of superstars to dethrone the king.

Perhaps the only thing standing between LeBron and his lofty, self-imposed expectations is Howard's decision.

Let's hope he makes the right one.