Kobe is still sitting there, with his arms around Dwight, refusing to let go until he commits to the Lakers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Dwight just left. 'I can't talk. I had a lot of great meetings..'</p>— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/statuses/352202828435038209">July 2, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
And their media -- local and those favorable to the Lakers nationally -- ripped Dwight over and over and over again. They questioned his commitment, made him seem like a coward for not playing with a torn shoulder labrum, ripped him for not being the "old" Dwight because of his back, etc. As has been said before: If Dwight stays, he will only get attention if the Lakers do poorly. He will be blamed if they do poorly. If the Lakers do well, someone else is going to get the praise. Dwight knows it. His team knows it. The Lakers know it, and the Lakers media knows it. Even if you don't believe Doc Rocket -- and I do believe him -- listen to how many times Chris Broussard has mentioned Kobe in his reports. And Dwight not exactly being fond of playing with Kobe. If we get Dwight Howard, then I think I might send Kobe a thank you card. Because I don't think we have a great shot at getting Dwight unless Kobe was involved.
"Hopefully it's the Lakers" instead of "Hopefully it's us." Suspicious, tbh. Maybe Phil was actually at the meeting.
Watching Sportscenter and they won't stop talking about that bum A-Rod with Charleston Single-A. Even have live footage. Anyway the next segment should be about Dwight Howard since that's what their preview states, then it says 'big man stays put' not sure they correlate but you would assume so, right? Just a little tid bit I saw.
"I can't talk, I'm going to get the F out of Staples center and get to a safe place before I announce I'm coming to Houston".
With the Laker meeting lasting just an hour and a half, it means one or two things. He's coming. There's no way they could discuss all that was wrong and went wrong last year. No way they could discuss future plans AFTER Kobe. No way they could discuss changes in the system. No way they could discuss potential additions to the roster. Or.... This was all for show and he's known he was coming back all along. If this is the case I will be shocked. I don't think several credible reporters could have been scammed or had the wool pulled over their eyes. That short of a meeting HAS to be a good sign for us, I believe. He's coming, guys. Has to be.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Lakers mtg was short, but remember, they have been meeting with DH and his reps since end of the season</p>— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ramonashelburne/statuses/352203823504302080">July 2, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Dwight Howard knows, in his mind, that his meeting with the Lakers right now can be the last time he ever has to deal with them in any formal, respectful way. Maybe that short meeting was Dwight's way of saying "Yeah, thanks for everything guys." We'll find out soon.
So what are those "surprises" that the Lakers said they have for him? I was thinking they might tell Dwight they'll amnesty Kobe.
