Dwight Howard to LA: Why Lakers Kobe Bryant May Have His Eye on Deron Williams

Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to Dwight Howard trade rumors and scenarios for what seems like years at this point, but could the superstar guard have his sights set on recruiting another big name free-agent-to-be, like Deron Williams, instead?

Either because of increasing chances that there will be no NBA season next year or in an attempt to help speed the negotiating process along by instilling fear in the team owners, Williams agreed to a one-year contract with the Turkish basketball team Besitkas.

And now ironically, or maybe not so much, Besitkas is apparently in negotiations with Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant. Should Kobe agree to a deal, he would join forces with Deron Williams next year in Turkey if the a new CBA is not instituted.

Is this a coincidence? 

Maybe, but probably not. This could be an attempt for Kobe to experiment what it will be like to play along side Williams, who is a free agent after next season.

If the two develop a chemistry, Kobe most certainly will recruit Williams to join him in one of the largest basketball markets in the world.

But what about Howard? For the longest time media outlets have been speculating that the Lakers would put together a package consisting of Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom for the superstar center who averaged 22.9 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game last year.

Surely that is still the Lakers' plan?

Don't be surprised if it isn't. Howard would be a great fit defensively for Los Angeles. His low post presence cannot be matched by anyone else in the league, and he is widely considered the best rebounder and shot blocker the NBA features.

While Howard's contribution on defense cannot be ignored, the potential problems his presence could cause on offense may overshadow it.

Usually, a scoring threat down low in Howard and another one outside in Bryant would be extremely eff...