Lakers Rumors: Dwight Howard Should Avoid L.A. and Shaquille O'Neal Comparison

I wouldn't call it beef, but I'd definitely say there is some tension between the original Superman also known as Shaquille O'Neal and the Superman of today, Dwight Howard.

Although Dwight Howard has said he does not want to follow in the footsteps of Shaq in any way, by going to the Los Angeles Lakers he will be labeled one big contradiction.

Maybe he doesn't care anymore; maybe he had enough losing in Orlando and is ready to play for a contender. 

Maybe he is ready to take his talent and charisma to the bright lights.

But I would advise him to think about what direction his career would be headed if he were to put on the purple and gold.

He would immediately start to hear more and more comparisons to Shaq, which only makes sense.

At his age, his game is very similar to what Shaq's used to be. He is now considered the most dominant inside presence in the game today, no questions asked. And he did his time on a mediocre team that could just never get over the hump.

But if I were Howard I would refrain from going to the Lakers if he is still worried about being compared to the Diesel.

Not to mention that I'm sure Shaq would not hesitate to weigh in on Howard's decision if he ends up with the Lakers.

It's surprising to me that this has not been talked about more.

I can already visualize Shaq on TNT talking about how Howard wants to be him and needs to get his own identity. Surely, Howard may be willing to put up with this in order to put himself in the best position possibly to win championships.

But I think he should look at his other options first. 

Shaq has already publicly stated that he does not like the fact that Howard calls himself Superman.

Just because Shaq will not be present on the court, don't expect his ego to go anywhere. 

Just something to think about. I'm sure nobody would look down upon him for making the decision to go play for one of the most historic franchises in NBA history alongside one of the best players to ever play the game.

I just hope he's ready for those unwanted comparisons. It comes with the territory when you put on that purple and gold.

I feel like the fear of comparison played into LeBron James' decision not to go to Chicago, even Dwyane Wade's.

If Howard does become a Laker, I promise not to say "I told you so" when Shaq starts saying crazy things and there is an ESPN special comparing the two before Howard even plays a game.