Soon after that infamous press conference last April, Van Gundy would be relieved of his coaching duties and Howard dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Following eight seasons with the Magic, the totality of Howard's demands throughout the 2011-12 campaign, eventually leading to his departure from Orlando, were met with national criticism.
His fanbase of loyal Magic supporters were left in Orlando forever, as Howard became tasked with proving his championship-caliber value to Lakers fans while winning back over the national audience.
The 2012-13 season hasn't gone according to plan for Dwight since. He opened the year with a back injury and has struggled—along with his teammates—to qualify for postseason play.
Howard was serenaded by a passionate chorus of boos upon his return to Orlando in March, and he continues to be criticized for his on-court performance and professional demeanor by national pundits.
At the same time, however, there also appears to be a growing approval for Howard among Lakers fans specifically, despite the trying circumstances of a 39-36 record.
His recent engagement with fans through leading blogs like LakersNation.com has helped build this growing support, which is evidenced by the long list of encouraging tweets that have flooded his timeline in response.
Dwight Howard still has much to prove on the basketball court to national pundits
Dwight Howard has averaged 18.2 points and 13 rebounds for his career.
While the 16.7 and 12.7 in his Los Angeles Lakers debut are still better numbers than any other center in the league, the national perception is that Howard can do m...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
