Dwight Howard Reportedly Unlikely to Re-Sign With the Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are putting the full-court press on free agent center Dwight Howard – they’ve put up billboards letting the whole world know how much they want the big fella back, and teammates are saying all of the right and flowery things. But all of that may not be enough to convince Howard to return to Hollywood, according to ESPN: “There is very little chance of Dwight Howard re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, according to sources close to the situation. Howard is willing to forgo the extra $30 million the Lakers can pay him to play for a coach and in a system he feels will better utilize his skill set, one source said. The Lakers can offer Howard a five-year, $118 million contract while other teams can pay him only $88 million over four years. Howard plans to meet with Dallas, Houston and Atlanta before meeting with the Lakers once teams are allowed to contact free agents beginning July 1, a source said. It appears that the teams will visit Howard in Los Angeles. […] Howard’s major problem with the Lakers is the system coach Mike D’Antoni employs. Beyond that, he did not enjoy playing with Kobe Bryant, though he could manage to do so in a different system, a source said. Howard also does not want to be second fiddle to Bryant for several more seasons. While many believe Houston is the Lakers’ stiffest competition, sources say Howard finds Dallas just as appealing, if not more. Assuming the Mavericks are able to clear enough cap space to offer him a maximum-salaried contract, Howard is strongly considering joining Dallas. The Mavericks are trying to shed Shawn Marion’s $9 million expiring contract to create the room to sign Howard, according to sources.”