The Orlando Magic know that time is running out to try and deal Dwight Howard before the superstar becomes a free agent this offseason. They don't have much room to maneuver to try and put together a team that would appeal to the best defensive player in the league, and they know the chances of him walking are huge.
So the only alternative is to make the best possible deal. What can Orlando hope to get for Howard? Apparently, quite a lot.
Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel reports that one such deal would get Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers. But to get Howard, the Lakers might end up losing a lot.
There's a rumor circulating involving Howard, where the deal actually will come down March 1.
It goes something like this: The Magic send Howard, SF Hedo Turkoglu and Nelson to the Lakers; the Magic receive Bynum and Gasol. The salaries are close to matching up, making the deal work.
A third team, the Toronto Raptors, could be part of the deal or in a separate trade with the Magic, sending PG José Calderon to Orlando.
Could be a great deal for the Magic, under the circumstances. There are some obvious holes in the scenario or scenarios.
Losing both the Laker bigs would be a tough pill to swallow, even to get Howard. The Lakers would have their superstar of the future to pair up with Kobe Bryant, but precious little else. LA might be the one to blink first to make this deal, because giving up two great players for perhaps the greatest big around is tough to swallow.
To talk about the thought of dealing Bynum, Gasol, Howard and Lakers basketball in general, check out Silver Screen and Roll. To discuss the rumor with Magic fans, check out Orlando Pinstriped Post.