Lakers Rumors: Dwight Howard Trade Would Let Lakers Regain LA Spotlight

The rumor mill involving Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard continues to spin with the regular season just five days away. Daniel Buerge passed along a report from John Ireland, who predicted Howard would be traded to the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday.

It still hasn't happened, which means the door is still open for the Los Angeles Lakers to steal some of the Clippers' thunder by acquiring Howard. "Theoretically the Lakers still have the best offer on the table if they’re willing to part with both Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, but that is a lot to give up for one player," Buerge wrote.

While that would certainly be a hefty price to pay for Howard, Bynum's injury woes would ease the pain if that's in fact the core pair being sent to Orlando. The promising big man hasn't played in more than 65 games since the 2006-07 season.

His potential makes him an intriguing option for the Magic, who would be in an interesting position if they traded Howard. That said, his health issues make him a hindrance for any Lakers playoff run.

So, if there's an offer on the table that doesn't include any other valuable pieces, the Lakers should take a chance and accept it.

It would give Kobe Bryant another All-Star to play alongside him, which should keep him happy during what's turned out to be a tumultuous time both on and off the court. Howard has the kind of infectious attitude that rubs off on people.

Perhaps more importantly for the Lakers brass, it would help them outshine the Clippers, at least for awhile. Their Staples Center rivals have become the center of national attention after acquiring Chris Paul to wake up a hibernating fan base.

If the Lakers want to swing things back in their favor, it's going to take a marquee move.

Howard would fit the bill while also giving the team a new centerpiece to build around for many years to come once Bryant is ready to pass the torch.

Any time there are trade talks, a lot of focus is placed on the negative aspects. But it's rare a move doesn't have some potential downside, so eventually a team just needs to take a leap of faith and hope things work out for the better.

That's the case with Howard. With so many suitors, the Lakers will need to act fast if they want to get back in the running, but it would be worth it over the long haul.