Lakers Rumors: Dwight Howard Wisely Has No Reported Interest in Atlanta Hawks

Dwight Howard is having a tumultuous season with the Los Angeles Lakers, dealing with numerous injuries and fighting for the slim chance of making the playoffs.

Regardless of how bad things are in L.A., signing with the Atlanta Hawks as a free agent in the offseason is a terrible idea for the superstar, and it’s refreshing to hear that the big man is reportedly not interested in doing so.

According to Chris Broussard of ESPN, the Hawks are preparing to extend a maximum contract to D12 in July, joining a list of suitors that already includes the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets—two other organizations that have made it known they will attempt to poach Howard from L.A. this coming summer.

Sources close to the center believe that he has no interest in playing in Atlanta, and it’s the right call for the 27-year-old.

The Hawks are in the midst of a rebuilding effort, and there is a possibility that impending unrestricted free agent Josh Smith is moved by the Feb. 21 trading deadline.

Without J-Smoove, the only notable name on the ATL roster would be Al Horford, a player that already mans the pivot spot that Howard fits in at.

While the Hawks would likely have plenty of room to maneuver even after inking D12 to a max deal, there simply isn’t enough talent slated to be available to build a contending franchise.

It would be a step backward for Howard, who forced his way out of Orlando last summer because the Magic weren’t able to surround him with pieces to make a championship run.

Even if the Lakers miss the playoffs in 2013, they undeniably the talent to compete in the future—it’s just a matter of finding a way to jell. A unit that includes Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Metta World Peace and D12 will win games, and they have flashed immense potential at various points during this dismal campaign.

While Howard would be foolish not to weigh his options this summer, he shouldn’t seriously consider the Hawks unless they find a way to bring some more talent aboard at the deadline or early in the offseason.