Dwight Howard Says Kobe Bryant Beef Was Media Creation in Twitter Q&A

Dwight Howard's lone season with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2012-13 featured more off-court drama than on-court success. However, the veteran center suggested Sunday that the reports of discord were overblown.

When asked about his apparent beef with Kobe Bryant during a Twitter question-and-answer session, Howard explained his view:

The 2012-13 Lakers finished 45-37 before the San Antonio Spurs swept them in the first round of the playoffs.  

During the tumultuous season, Howard reportedly mocked Bryant behind his back, as Kevin Ding wrote for the Orange County Register. Bryant, meanwhile, told Sam Amick of USA Today that his tutelage made Howard "uncomfortable."

In a March interview with Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, Howard said he "never had an issue" with his former teammate, although he admitted he hadn't spoken with Kobe.

The eight-time All-Star had a chance to re-sign with the Lakers after that season, but he instead chose to join the Houston Rockets. After three years of up-and-down play, he has since moved onto the Atlanta Hawks and now the Charlotte Hornets.

While Howard remains one of the best big men of his generation, questions about his effect on the locker room may linger throughout the rest of his career.