Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Lakers' Intentions Will Be Clear When Dust Settles

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of four teams Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard is reportedly willing to sign a long-term extension with before he hits free agency in 2012.

He's also interested in the New Jersey Nets and Dallas Mavericks, or re-signing with the Magic, per SI.com.

The Mavericks don't appear to have the young pieces to intrigue the Magic in a trade, but the Nets (with center Brook Lopez) and the Lakers (with center Andrew Bynum) certainly have some tasty trade bait.

The Lakers need to understand that they are one of just a handful of teams that appear to have a chance at landing Howard at this point.

They also need to understand that not landing Howard will have them headed nowhere this season.

Kobe Bryant has already come out and voiced his displeasure after the trade of reigning Sixth Man of the Year Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks.

On top of that, Pau Gasol, at 31 years of age, isn't getting any younger, and he struggled mightily in the playoffs last season.

Bryant isn't going to be around forever. He's been one of the best players of all-time during his reign with the Lakers. It should go without saying that the Lakers should be doing everything in their power to form a title contender with him still on the roster.

But there are questions about management, particularly executive Jim Buss. There is concern that the Lakers may simply be in cost-cutting mode, and that they really are in it for the money.

Obviously, this is pure speculation, but not landing Howard, particularly when you have a shot at landing the best center in league, would certainly send a bad message.