Why Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash Need Dwight Howard to Win NBA Title Next Season

If you thought the addition of point guard Steve Nash made the Los Angeles Lakers title contenders, just wait.

According to Real GM's Jarrod Rudolph, prized malcontent Dwight Howard has finally warmed to the notion of a long-term stint in purple and gold:

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Dwight Howard has long coveted the Brooklyn Nets as his next landing spot, but after a summer filled with daily rumors of four-team trade proposals, the six-time All-Star has moved on from his Big Apple infatuation and is locked in on joining the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell RealGM.

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After months of pushing for a trade to the Brooklyn Nets, the Orlando Magic center apparently realizes the rare opportunity awaiting him in Los Angeles.

In the long term, there are of course few destinations in which Howard could so thoroughly maximize his star potential and marketability. For a superstar who's tired of Orlando's second-tier status, the potential to join the ranks of L.A. A-List celebrities is too much to forgo.

But, there are short-term interests at stake here as well—perhaps very short term depending on just how much the 38-year-old Nash has left in the tank.

Assuming Andrew Bynum is the piece general manager Mitch Kupchak ultimately sacrifices in order to land Howard, the Lakers' core looks more than promising.

Perennial MVP candidate Kobe Bryant will be joined by Howard, Nash, Pau Gasol and a somewhat improved supporting cast reportedly including the likes of veteran spread-4 Antawn Jamison.

It goes without saying such a group could give the Miami Heat a run for their money as the most star-studded collection of talent in the game.

It could also give the reigning champions some competition for next year's title.

There's a lot to like about Andrew Bynum's growth and perhaps even his potential to be the better all-around center over the course of his career. For all of Howard's dominance, Bynum's skills are have rapidly evolved.

And yet, there's even more to like about what Howard can contribute during Bryant and Nash's remaining years—a slim window of opportunity that almost certainly marks the Lakers' best shot at another championship in the near future. 

Howard can score, but he's far better off as a team's second option.

He's better off still when surrounded by playmakers who can compensate for his relative inability to create his own offense.

That's where Nash and Bryant come in.

Few point guards in league history have had more luck setting guys up than Nash. His court vision and ability to put passes exactly where he intends are nearly unmatched.

Meanwhile, Bryant is the ultimate decoy. He's the kind of weapon that will make opposing coaches think twice and maybe a third time before committing extra defenders to Howard.

When surrounded by those kind of assets, Howard will be as dangerous as ever.

From the Lakers' standpoint, exchanging Bynum for such a difference-maker could be the difference between fielding a great team and one that's virtually unbeatable.

Howard has a combination of strength and athletic ability that put him in a category of his own, and his presence in the paint singularly alters opposing strategies on both ends of the floor

Whereas Bynum did most of his damage in the post, Howard runs the court well and contributes absolutely dominant defense. He attacks the glass like few others, keeps opposing bigs off the block and blocks shots effortlessly.

There's a reason the 26-year-old has been named Defensive Player of the Year three times.

The adage that "defense wins championships" remains as true as ever, and Howard will make a good defensive squad even better. He'll make you forget all about Nash's inability to guard his man, and you'll hardly notice that Kobe's lost a step.

The Lakers as currently constructed may not have long to return to the promised land, but adding Howard to the fold would certainly help them get there.