Los Angeles Lakers: Why Dwight Howard Isn't Worth the Trouble

The Los Angeles Lakers have had an extremely eventful offseason thus far. They acquired two-time MVP Steve Nash in a sign-and-trade deal with the Phoenix Suns. Nash will now take over as the team's primary point guard.

It appears as though the Lakers aren't done making moves yet, either. ESPN's Ric Bucher reports that L.A. is making a serious push to acquire Dwight Howard.

On paper, this appears as a significant addition for the Lakers. Upon further review, L.A. might not be expecting what they're receiving.

Los Angeles may think they're getting the second coming of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Shaquille O'Neal, but they should be weary: Howard is a very different player.

This is a move that could potentially alter the shape of the Lakers franchise—a move that has more risks than potential rewards.

Howard Is Immature

Dwight Howard has made the LeBron James "Decision" look like a mere walk in the park. Over the past year, Howard has turned the Orlando Magic into a complete circus act.

The saga began around the trade deadline when Howard requested a trade to the Nets. He followed this request by deciding to opt in to the final year of his contract with Orlando.

Ian O'Connor of ESPN.com reported that Howard lobbied to get his head coach, Stan Van Gundy, fired following last season.

The Lakers must think long and hard before they go and make a move of this magnitude. This is the kind of trade that could alter the Lakers franchise.

There's no telling if Howard could grow up in order be a part of something bigger than himself. He's too used to being "Superman." 

Howard Is Very Indecisive

The Lakers need to realize that until late last night, Howard had no intention to play in L.A.

It doesn't matter what anyone tells him—the only team he truly wants to play for is the Brooklyn Nets. Howard continues to show his indecision, as he did this past year in Orlando.

ESPN.com news services recently ran a story about Howard and he had some very telling words.

Howard said (via Yahoo! Sports):

"

There's only one team on my list and if I don't get traded there, I'll play the season out and explore my free agency after that, Howard told Yahoo! Sports on Monday.

"

It doesn't appear that the Lakers are the team that Howard was speaking of. The Lakers could auction their entire team, including Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, for absolutely nothing.

It seems very unlikely that Howard could have such a major change of heart overnight. 

Andrew Bynum Is the Better Player

Dwight Howard is a great player, but Andrew Bynum may be a more polished offensive player at this point in his career.

When looking through statistics, Bynum averaged 18.7 points per game, 11.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game—all less than Howard.

At first glance, it appears that Howard had a better season. But upon further review, that may not be the case.

Bynum played six more games than Howard and is a much more effective offensive player. Howard's offensive figures are inflated because he was the first option on his team.

Bynum, in most instances, was a second or third option for the Lakers offensively. He is much better at playing without the basketball than Howard is.

Also, Bynum is younger than Howard—something that is worth noting considering both players have had significant injuries in their careers.

Contract Negotiations

It's been well noted that Howard would only sign an extension with one team: the Brooklyn Nets. 

Update

7/19/2012 1:34 am. PT

(Courtesy of ESPN.com)

Reports have surfaced that Howard would agree to sign an extension with the Lakers—if dealt. This is an interesting twist in the saga, seeing as though Howard was extremely adamant about playing in Brooklyn. According to this report, the Lakers have not confirmed this change of heart by Howard. Nonetheless, it's something to keep an eye on.

A potential snag in the deal could by Bynum's unwillingness to sign an extension with Orlando. He has not ruled out the possibility, but seems open to testing the free-agent market.

Trading Pau Gasol Would Be a Major Blow to the Team

One of the major advantages the Lakers have over teams is their size. Trading away Gasol would inevitably limit their biggest advantage over other teams.

Even with all the criticism of Gasol, he's still one of the most skilled big men in the NBA.

Losing Bynum and Gasol would leave the Lakers with only Howard. This takes away one of their most important advantages.

Bynum and Gasol are both more polished offensively than Howard. He doesn't move without the ball nearly as well as they do.