Lakers Rumors: Orlando Has No Choice but to Deal Dwight Howard Before September

Not another Dwight Howard article!

Before my peers bash me for beating an already-beaten egg, I have one guarantee for you:

This piece will present its readers with a fresh outlook on the Howard-Magic divorce process. I have literally read hundreds of Dwight Howard rumor and opinion articles, and none have presented the logic and thought processes I will outline in this story.

So, before you pick up your baseball bats and 12-gauge shotguns, consider this first: I have gone the length and beyond to evaluate every thought process seemingly possible in regards to the Orlando Magic's GM Rob Hennigan and Howard himself.  

Based on public knowledge and common sense, I have come up with the following conclusions.

What you have not read so far may certainly surprise you.

Before we dive into the reasons why Orlando must deal Howard before training camp begins, we should first take a trip down memory lane to recall specific events that led up to this situation as it currently stands. 

On March 16, 2012, only moments before the NBA's trade deadline was set to pass, Dwight Howard shocked the sports world by opting into the final year of his contract, locking him in with the Orlando Magic through 2013 (h/t to Chris Broussard of ESPN The Magazine).

This was especially surprising because Howard had been pressuring Orlando's front office to trade him to the Brooklyn Nets throughout the season.

When the trade deadline arrived, Orlando reportedly schemed a plan that would trap Howard in a corner and force him to opt into the final year of his deal or be traded to the...gulp...Los Angeles Lakers (per FOX Sports).

The aftermath is well-documented, as Howard accused Orlando staff of blackmail and deceit, according to Matt Moore of CBS Sports.

There are all kinds of theories and rationalizations that can be drawn up in reference to what went on behind closed doors. One thing is for certain though: Dwight Howard did not extend for another year with joy in his heart.

It is safe to assume that the Magic either backed Howard into a corner with Los Angeles trade threats, or they did not live up to promises made upon the opt-in. One way or another, trust was broken and bridges were irreparably burned. 

Either way, Dwight Howard, being the sensitive guy that he is, walked away from that situation ticked off. And, if I had to guess, those feeling have not worn off in the least.

Rob Hennigan sat Howard down for two meetings in a feeble attempt to repair the damage that had been done. Of course, it was too late, as Howard turned down Hennigan's pleas for him to remain in Orlando not once, but twice (h/t ESPN).

The outcome has been blatantly obvious: Dwight Howard is furious and he wants out immediately.

He emphatically gave Hennigan three choices in the final sit-down (per Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports):

1. "Trade me to the Lakers now."

2. "Trade me to the Nets in January."

3. "Keep me around, and I'll become a Maverick in July."

If one puts themselves in Howard's shoes at this point, they should be able to sympathize with Howard's anger and resentment towards the franchise.

If you are one who has banished Howard's reputation and image to no man's land, I suggest you take a look at this piece before reading further. It will thoroughly describe Howard's involvement in the "Dwightmare" and may force you to reconsider your stance on a guilty verdict.

Assuming we are on the same page now, can you feel the fury and rage? It's been two long years of waiting for either a championship-contending roster or a trade. Neither have come, and his image and perceived persona has shrunk down to minute proportions.

If you were Dwight Howard and found yourself caught in this situation, what would you do?

Do you really think Howard will walk back across those burned bridges to start the season in an Orlando Magic uniform should he not be traded.

I think not!

And, consider this: As angry as Howard is, you can be sure he will use whatever options he has left to his own advantage.

With every leverage seemingly dwindled away to broken bits, the one thing that still remains is his injured back.

The Orlando Magic would face horrendous consequences should Howard remain in uniform but decide to sit out the season due to "injury."

On the surface, one would think this would be preferred for a Magic team who is trying to "tank" and stack draft picks in any deal that lands Howard on another team.

But, in reality, who is going to give up the farm, if anything, for a player with serious injury concerns?

If the Magic think other teams are low-balling their deals now, they will be in for a real shocker as offers wilt down to diminutive pennies.

Howard would possess all the power in this situation. He could plausibly go to the media and declare his back to be "seriously unstable," bringing his trade value to an all-time low.

Then, tragic would not suffice in describing Orlando's predicament.

In the same way as Howard's hopes of being a Brooklyn Net died, so too will the Orlando Magic's rebuilding hopes.

And this is the very reason why Howard likely will be dealt before training camp begins.

The Lakers are the only team in prime position to acquire the disgruntled star, as Howard has repeatedly warned the Houston Rockets that he would walk at the end of his contract should they acquire his services (h/t Adrian Wojnarowski's Twitter).

Oh, and apparently the Magic have caught my drift:

"

Following Magic's week of pause, NBA insiders predict team will soon revisit Dwight Howard talks. tinyurl.com/cgx245a

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) July 29, 2012"

So, put away your baseball bats and 12-gauge shotguns people. Did I not just present you with some fresh air concerning an over-beaten topic?

Besides, the only one who has some remote excuse to pack these items is Dwight Howard himself, should he remain in Disney World come October.

But don't count on that happening.

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