Lakers Rumors: Why Dwight Howard Will Own L.A. If He Joins Lake Show

The Los Angeles Lakers haven't given up yet in their relentless pursuit of Dwight Howard. 

None of the team's trade talks with the Orlando Magic have been fruitful, largely held back by D12's inexplicable hesitance to commit to signing a long-term extension with The Purple and Gold. 

With RealGM's Jarrod Rudolph reporting that Howard is ready to commit to signing an extension, the big man is perilously close to owning L.A. 

Make no mistake about it, the Lakers are still Kobe Bryant's team and No. 24 would remain the man in charge of L.A.'s collective heart even if Howard joined forces with him in the quest for a sixth ring. However, No. 12 would enjoy quite a bit of his own popularity. 

Los Angeles is a huge media market and—just look to the presence of Hollywood for this—one of the cities that loves the newest flavor of the week. Unlike the girlfriend in American Hi-Fi's biggest hit though, Howard would be around to stay for a lot longer than just a week. 

Win a championship with the Lakers, and you have forever endeared yourself to the fans. Howard's powerful game on both ends of the court would give L.A. an incredible show and a solid shot at winning the NBA Championship at the end of the 2012-2013 season. 

It's tough to fathom just how dominant a starting lineup of Steve Nash, Kobe, Metta World Peace, Pau Gasol and Howard could be. 

Any offense that prominently features Nash running the show is deadly enough. And if he could nearly elevate the Phoenix Suns to the playoffs last year, he can do wonders with this team. Not many players get to upgrade from Jared Dudley, Grant Hill and Marcin Gortat to Kobe, Gasol and Howard. 

The kicker is that this is an incredible defensive team as well. Bet you never thought you'd see that written about a team with Nash in the starting lineup, but that's what happens when you put a three-time Defensive Player of the Year alongside two of the better perimeter defenders that The Association has to offer. 

On the court, there's no question that the Dwight- and Kobe-led Lakers would be dominant. 

Off the court, Dwight would also be an incredible success. He'd be able to start flashing that smile that won him so many fans before this drama. 

Lost in the shuffle of the constant demands, never-ending trade rumors and general frustration surrounding the league's best center is the fact that Howard is actually a good guy. Everyone loved Superman, his playful antics, pleasant demeanor and joking nature before this fiasco. 

In L.A., that changes and reverts back to how it was in 2009. Fully embraced by the fans of the Lakers, he'll have a chance to put a smile back on his face once more. 

Los Angeles is a big enough city to be "owned" by more than one person. There's plenty of room for Kobe, Dwight, Blake Griffin and Chris Paul. 

I don't think you'll see Jack Nicholson making and starring in a movie about the Dwight drama, but I do think you'll see him cheering for Howard on the sideline of the Staples Center. 

Whether from a few rows back or the friendly confines of their own living room couch, many will follow suit if Howard is traded to the Lakers.