Lakers Rumors: Dwight Howard to Los Angeles, Bynum to Cleveland Deal Dead?

As if disappointment hasn't been prevalent in Los Angeles these last couple of weeks, it is being reported by Sam Amico of FoxSportsOhio via Twitter, the Lakers have encountered yet another setback in their pursuit to land Dwight Howard.

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Latest reports suggest Cavs want picks in deal for Andrew Bynum. "He IS the pick," said opposing team exec. But ... sulia.com/c/basketball/f…

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) July 15, 2012"

This certainly puts a wrench in the Lakers' aspirations as they gave up their draft picks when they acquired Steve Nash a week ago.

Also, even though it was reported by CBSSports that Andrew Bynum listed Cleveland as a long-term destination, this is unreliable as nobody knows which source leaked this information. Thus, nobody can be sure about the truthfulness related to this rumor.

Without assurances that Bynum would sign long-term, Cleveland would be foolish to give up an army of assets, only to face the ever-so-real possibility that he jets town come summer 2013.

As tweeted by ProBasketBallDraft.com:

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Other logistics that prevent magic, lakers, cavs swap is that Cleveland will not give up assets for Bynum without assurances he'll extend.

— Probasketballdraft (@Probballdraft) July 14, 2012"

It would be logical to assume that Dan Gilbert, who is known to be an advocate against NBA big-market "super" teams, would have a hand in making this trade as difficult as possible on Lakers' management. After all, he nearly threw a fit when the temporary Chris Paul to-the-Lakers news went viral.

Because of these reported roadblocks, the Dwight Howard to Los Angeles deal is all but dead, at least for the moment.

As tweeted by Sam Amico:

"

High-ranking officials from several teams involved in Dwight Howard chase say all recent talks now dead. "Cavs walked away again," says one.

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) July 15, 2012"

To NBA fans, this is yet more disheartening news, especially to those who earnestly wait for resolution to this chaotic fiasco. Rest assured, the Orlando Magic seemingly are doing everything in their power to move Dwight Howard before the new season begins. 

While Orland waits for the 'Dwight move', control your pace and stay hydrated. There is no telling how long this marathon will last.

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