A superstar player that the Lakers wouldn't be as crazy as you may think to spurn.
Howard is an unrestricted free agent, thus becoming the latest high-profile name to shape an offseason with his potential signing. Since he is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and seven-time All-Star, there certainly won't be a shortage of opportunities for the 27-year-old to decide between.
In the Lakers' case, they can afford to let him walk.
Howard is one of the most productive players in the world, leading the NBA in rebounds five times and blocks another two. Even in his supposed down year with the Lakers, Howard led the league in rebounds.
According to Basketball-Reference.com, Howard was the only qualified player in the NBA to average at least 15.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game.
With all of this being noted, D-12 being an elite player is only one piece of the Lakers' decision. While keeping him in town would be the wise move—and if they can, they really should—L.A. can afford to let him walk.
Reports say that it's what he wants.
Injuries and Off-Court Distractions
According to Chris Broussard of ESPN, Howard is unlikely to re-sign with the Lakers this offseason. Broussard reports that D-12 prefers his alternatives, which include the Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets.
Howard will meet with all three of those teams before he sits down with the Lakers.
This comes less than two weeks after Broussard reported that Howard and point guard Chris Paul are hoping to play together. With that being said, CP3 is widely expected to re-sign...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
