Dwight Howard traded to the Lakers
They say good things come to those who wait, but for most of us, finally reading the headline, “Dwight Howard traded” is more a moment of relief. It is the end to what may be the most confusing, ridiculed and drawn out basketball saga, ever.
Thursday, pending league approval, Howard was traded from the Orlando Magic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a four-team deal that breaks down like this:
Dwight Howard wasn’t the happiest man in Orlando, but that means nothing because many athletes across all sports are unhappy would like to be playing for a different team. Heck, some of you reading this right now would like a new job.
The difference is the drama that ensued once Howard decided he no longer wanted to play for the Orlando Magic, but decided he would stay for another season after all, then changed it up again and decided he wanted to leave. It was nauseating, including all the heads that had to roll in the process, like then head coach Stan Van Gundy.
It is expected that Commissioner David Stern will approve this trade without issue. I can’t imagine he would break hearts again, the way he did with the vetoed Chris Paul deal that would have made Paul a Laker.
Now, the Lakers have a star-laden team of Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, who was acquired from Phoenix in July, Pau Gasol, Metta World Peace and Howard.
I’ll say Mitch Kupchak and the Buss family don’t mess around. And, although Dwight Howard is not likely to agree to an extension this season, opting instead to test his free agency in 2013, don’t think the Lakers won’t make power moves to keep him. They play chess, not checkers.
The excitement surrounding the 2012 NBA season has instantly boiled over.
Who will rule the Western Conference now? The Oklahoma City Thunder or the Lakers?
