I still think he stays because of the money, but you never know with this guy. http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-simers-kobe-bryant-20130201,0,6473082.column
I doubt Howard leaves. He is all about championships. Entertaining people and wanting to be cool with his peers is not part of who he is. I liked that last quote: . "I don't think a coach becomes the right coach until he wins a championship. I don't think Erik Spoelstra was the right coach in Miami until he won. Phil Jackson was just some hippie coaching in Chicago with this weird offense."
Kobe's team Nash- Sombody to pass kobe the ball SG - Kobe, because he likes to SHOOT SF- Artest or anybody that can play defense for kobe on the perimeter PF- Pau- Somebody that will grab rebounds for him and pass it to him when he cuts, and the guy who takes the blame when they lose C- Dwight, play inside defense, grab rebounds, (and pass it back to kobe to refer to SG above)
I have very little doubt that Howard will stay. He's in a big time city, and I don't get the sense that hes the type that gives up millions to go to a potentially better opportunity. HOWEVER If he does want out, I would think that the Rockets are BY FAR the best option for him. I don't think his skepticism of Houston had anything to do with the Rockets organization. It simply wasn't an "it" town and we didn't have a star to pair with him. Now we have Harden, as well as support pieces in place to build around both of them. Another plus if we can sign Howard as a FA is Asik becomes expendable, and im sure we would use him to bring in another star.
For the minimum? I think there's a better chance of Dwight ending up in Houston than Brooklyn. Still doubt he leaves the Lakers, though.
Read between the lines, you will see two points Kobe made there. (1) Dwight, just focus on playing defense. Other than grabbing offensive rebounds, you have no business in our offense. (2) Dwight, we are riding you into the playoffs. Once in the playoffs, it will be my show, Kobe's show.
Kobe is calculating, it's not a coincidence that says this to the scribes on Kevin Love’s stomping grounds.
Nets can't clear enough cap room. The only way for Howard to go to Brooklyn is a trade, and I can't see LA doing that.
Howard doesn't seem type player who give up salary sign with another team. I definitely willing bet he stay. If Laker are concerned, they have to move him at trade deadline.
seriously, if Kobe wants a defensive stopper give them Asik and whatever Houston is the perfect spot for Howard, certainly financially he can't do better anywhere else. Just have to hope the Lakers continue to fall apart these next few weeks