Dwight Howard: Lakers Should Not Go All-in to Acquire Superstar

Depending on how the weather looks, Dwight Howard is either going to sign a contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers if he is traded to them or maybe not. With so much uncertainty surrounding the superstar center, I have to wonder why the Lakers would mortgage a lot of future pieces for a big name. 

Jarrod Rudolph of RealGM.com reported on Wednesday that Howard had softened his stance on agreeing to a long-term deal with the Lakers if/when the Orlando Magic decide to trade him. 

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The Lakers are reportedly ready to make the trade, but first need assurance from Howard that he will commit to the team long-term. Sources say Howard is “excited” about the opportunity to play for the Lakers and will re-sign with the team when his contract expires at the end of the 2012-13 season.

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First, that still sounds like Howard isn't going to give the Lakers the assurances of a deal by signing it before any trade is completed. It comes off like he would play the season, then decide to sign an extension next summer. 

Second, why would the Lakers want to put any or all of their valuable assets in a deal for Howard when they are perfectly capable of winning a championship right now?

The two biggest areas of weakness for the Lakers were point guard and depth. Signing Steve Nash and reportedly getting Antawn Jamison took care of both problems, though they could use a few more bodies to come off the bench. 

Plus, and here is the real kicker for Howard, the Lakers have a center who is more than capable of dominating inside. Andrew Bynum might not be as marketable or charismatic as Howard, but he is almost as good a player. 

Howard averaged 20.6 points and 14.5 rebounds per game last season. By comparison, Bynum averaged 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds. It should also be mentioned that Bynum is almost two years younger than Howard. 

If Howard is so desperate to get out of Orlando that he will do whatever it takes, he should be on his hands and knees begging the Lakers to offer him a long-term contract. They give him a great chance to win now and for at least the foreseeable future. 

For the Lakers, there is no need to put all their remaining eggs in the Howard basket. They are built to win a championship right now with the moves they have made.

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