Howard will thrive as the next main star in L.A. when Kobe is gone.
Thus far in his career, Howard hasn't been the guy any team should look to as a leader.
Likely the best center in the NBA today—well, as soon as he takes off the anchor he has seemingly been carrying around while recovering from offseason surgery—Howard hasn't been the guy to lead any team into battle.
That’s his personality, though. He is just not serious enough.
From his always-joking persona to his fickle attitude about re-signing with Orlando, he hasn't exuded stout leadership qualities during his NBA career. It's hard to take a guy like this seriously.
This video doesn't help his cause either.
Bryant is the antithesis of Howard. He is never jokes, yells at teammates and is kind of a jerk, really. Most importantly, Bryant does whatever it takes to lead his team to victory. This is not the player who reminds you of Howard.
Yet.
Bryant had this to say after the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Howard (via Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com):
I want to teach him everything I possibly know so that when I step away this organization can ride on as if I never left...This organization has done so much for me. I'm so thankful to them. If you have the opportunity to get Dwight, get him because I want to see this organization continue to flourish and continue to be successful long after I'm gone.
Now that’s the statement any team would want out of its franchise player and not exactly the same sentiments that Howard showed for his former team.
Even after Kobe is no longer with the team on the floor, he wants his leadership to carry on, through Howard. Hopefully, this will lead to Howard to make good on this statement made after joining the Lake...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
