Lakers Trade Rumors: Dwight Howard Smart to Keep Los Angeles on His Radar

The Los Angeles Lakers are still reeling from their league-rejected trade of Chris Paul, but they are doing what they can to make the best of a stupid situation. One name that keeps lingering around all kinds of speculation with this team is Dwight Howard.

The latest news, according to Chris Broussard of ESPN.com, is that the Lakers are on the short list of teams that Howard would sign a contract extension with. 

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There are only four teams that Howard would sign a long-term contract with, according to a source close to the situation—the Magic, New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks or Los Angeles Lakers.

That severely limits the trade possibilities for Orlando, which has said it will not rule out trading Howard to any of the league's 29 other teams. Without a long-term commitment from Howard, no club is likely to put an enticing offer on the table.

Howard's stance essentially relegates the Magic, whose ideal scenario is to re-sign Howard, to trade talks only with the Nets, Mavericks and Lakers.

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The Magic have done everything they can to convince Howard that Orlando is the place for him to be long-term, and he seems to be warming to the idea of staying with the team, or at least not as adamant about getting out as it seemed just one week ago. 

But by keeping the Lakers on his radar, Howard is making the smart business decision for himself, which is either good or bad for the NBA, depending on your perspective. 

While no deal is imminent, and it would be a shock to see anything happen before the season starts, if the Magic and Lakers both start out the season struggling, they will have decisions to make. 

The Lakers would likely be willing to part with a lot more if they struggle early in the season than they might be today, and the Magic would have more incentive to deal Howard if they struggle because it will likely decrease the odds of him re-signing with the team. 

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