Breaking Down How Dwight Howard Has Already Made His Decision About L.A. Lakers

In news that should surprise absolutely no one, Dwight Howard is dropping some hints that he feels something special with the Los Angeles Lakers, something that makes his ring-chasing heart skip a beat.

After all, this isn't a man who likes "one-year stands," even if he did start making trade demands when that seven-year itch with the Orlando Magic reared its ugly head.

Of course, he won't say anything official until he can "test free agency" (cough, cough) and sign a larger deal currently precluded by the rules governing extensions. But he will say this—or tweet it, in any case:

"

Me and @kaj33 together. For many years to come. twitter.com/DwightHoward/s…

— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) September 3, 2012"

Unless he and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are actually planning on tying the knot, this appears to be a not-at-all-subtle hint that Howard plans on remaining a Laker, at least until he changes his mind, as he's so apt to do.

For his part, Kareem tweeted some strong signals of his own:

"

#DwightHoward Great meeting you today - Laker Nation is in great hands for years to come. Now lets WIN a championship twitter.com/kaj33/status/2…

— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) September 3, 2012"

No one should be especially shocked that the once and future legends took an immediate liking to one another.

Nor should they have expected Howard to say anything but all the right things. Even if he did wind up ditching the Lakers for another opportunity next summer, it's not like he'd broadcast that before playing a single game in purple and gold.

This guy has no qualms with saying one thing and then doing another.

This time, though, chances are he'll actually follow through. Though there may be some intriguing opportunities next summer (with the Dallas Mavericks, for example), there won't be an opportunity that beats staying in Los Angeles.

Sure, his long-term prospects will remain somewhat uncertain given that he's the only prominent Laker under age 32.

However, if we've learned one thing about this franchise after all these years, it's that it always finds a way and gets its way.

As long as Los Angeles remains such a massive media market, that won't change. Big names want to play for a fanbase with commensurate buying power and they want a stage that will sufficiently broadcast their brands to the world.

The title opportunities obviously won't hurt Howard's brand either.

The short-term prospects are perhaps the only thing that could rival the dominant Miami Heat, at least "on paper." Kobe isn't done yet, and the opportunity to play off of an inside threat like Howard—and alongside a distributor like Nash—will extend what would have already been a long career.

At 34 and in excellent condition, Bryant won't slow down anytime soon. He may become more of a perimeter shooter but he's still one heck of a perimeter shooter.

Los Angeles will also have the opportunity to retool a bit in 2014 when contracts belonging to Pau Gasol, Metta World Peace, Steve Blake and Chris Duhon come off the books.

General manager Mitch Kupchak will likely go after a top-shelf point guard (perhaps moving Nash to a sixth-man role in the last year of his contract, assuming he doesn't retire first). Plus, he'll have money to pursue Pau Gasol's replacement to boot.

Howard will have help, and Kobe's twilight could be every bit as satisfying as his prime.

This is a no-brainer for Howard. It's hard to understand why he ever would have preferred the Brooklyn Nets to a situation like this.

There are no guarantees these Lakers will live up to all the expectations, but Dwight has to like his odds.