The Lakers are willing to hand over the reins of what is arguably the NBA's most glamorous and successful franchise to Howard, but according to sources, Howard is seriously considering offers from other teams, with Houston being the most prominent.
Apparently the opportunity to play with Rockets guard James Harden is an intriguing option for Howard—especially when compared to Lakers guard Kobe Bryant. Bryant's legacy has already been crafted, sealed with purple and gold blood and stamped with five NBA championships.
If Howard stays with the Lakers, he can help add to Bryant's legacy, but he can't make it worse.
In Houston, Howard could team with Harden and possibly win one or even two titles, but when it comes to legacies, that decision misses the point.
Maybe Howard and Harden contend for the first rings of their careers, but where would that place him in a legacy comparison with the best player to ever man his position in Houston?
Hakeem Olajuwon is one of the most graceful and skilled centers in NBA history, and the two championships he helped bring to Houston in 1994-95 will be remembered forever.
But where does Olajuwon and his "dream shake" rank when it comes to the best centers of all time?
Curiously, Olajuwon is rarely mentioned when it comes to the greatest post players of all time, and there are few people who would rate him above any legendary center who has played in Los Angeles as a Laker.
Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal are widely considered as three of the top 15 players in NBA history, and Chamberlain and Kareem are in most people's top five.
Olajuwon's talent and two rings may not af...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
