Howard to the Lakers

Associated Press

Dwight Howard is finally no longer a Orlando Magic.  The superstar Center as been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade that involved four teams.

The four team trade sent Howard to the Lakers and was completed late Thursday night according to sources.  Howard still stands firm on not signing an extension and becoming a free agent at the end of this upcoming season.  But the Lakers are not worried about that.  Lakers were willing to sign Howard without an extension believing that once Howard gets an experience of a championship culture he would be willing to stay longer.




In the trade the Lakers received Howard, the Denver Nuggets received Andre Iguodala, the Philadelphia 76ers received Andrew Bynum and Jason Richardson and the Orlando Magic received Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington, Nikola Vucevic and one protected future first round draft pick from each of the other three teams.  The 76ers are unsure whether Bynum will sign an extension after he stated earlier this summer that the only team he would sign an extension with was the LA Lakers.

Kobe Bryant welcomed Howard posting the following status on his facebook page:

"Well it looks like Superman has found a home.  I wish nothing but the best for Big Bynum.  I hope he follows what was a great season last year with an even better one next year.  I know LA is excited about the deal and rightfully so.  The Lakers landed a piece that will hopefully carry the franchise long after I'm gone.  I have spoken to Dwight Howard already and we are locked and loaded to bring back the title." 

This next season could get interesting with the Heat looking to defend their title and with the Lakers looking to take down the powerful Thunder out of the west.  Pau Gasol was in the talks for the trade but we all know that Kobe wasn't having that.  Kobe had stated earlier this summer as long as I'm a Laker Gasol will be a Laker.  At least the Howard saga is over for now but I'm ready for basketball season already.