In just the last few days, rumors of Howard choosing not to re-sign with the Lakers this offseason have really heated up. One report from Stephen A. Smith had Howard talking to Rudy Gay about playing for the Brooklyn Nets next season.
Naturally, people are starting to speculate about whether or not the Lakers would trade the all-star center. They can hang on to him this week and risk having him walk for nothing in a few months. Or, they could shop the big man before Thursday's trade deadline.
Some sources already have LA talking to the Boston Celtics about a possible Howard for Rajon Rondo deal (though Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak denies this rumor).
The possibility of Howard walking as a free agent isn't the only reason the Lakers should seriously consider seeing what they can get out of this year's trade market. The pieces of the current Lakers puzzle just don't seem to fit.
As much as Howard, Kobe Bryant and Mike D'Antoni insist otherwise, it's pretty easy to see that there is at least some validity to all the reports about personality clashes and differences of opinion.
If chemistry hasn't developed for this team after being together since August of last year, it's not likely to happen between now and the playoffs. The Lakers need to do something drastic to start a real push for the eight seed in the western conference.
This is where Josh Smith comes in. Like Howard, Smith has been surrounded by rumors since long before this season even started. There's a chance the Hawks will move him before this Thursday's deadline and a lot of teams are interested.
When my brother recently mentioned the possibility of a Dwig...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
