The Los Angeles Lakers have been shown to be willing about the possibility of dealing for Dwight Howard. The Magic center wants out of Orlando, and Los Angeles has probably the best bargaining chip out there in Andrew Bynum. If any close-to-even exchange could be made for Howard, the Lakers would be the team that could pull it off.
However, even though Howard is in contention for being the second-best player in the NBA, the Lakers aren't close to being assured that the Magic center will be a good exchange for Bynum. Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times has filed this report that expresses multiple concerns about Howard regarding his health, his inability to sign a contract extension, and the additional salaries they might have to take on if a Howard trade occurs.
But the Lakers have a growing list of concerns about Howard if they are to trade Andrew Bynum for him, according to a person with knowledge of the team's thinking.
How's that bulging disk in Howard's back, the one that required surgery and forced him to miss the playoffs?
Would Howard sign a contract extension after indicating privately he does not want to play for the Lakers? They're reluctant to accept a trade for him without getting more years tacked on to the one he has left for $19.5 million.
The Lakers currently have no desire to take back additional salary in a trade for Howard. The Magic wants any trade partner to absorb small forward Hedo Turkoglu (two more years, $23.8 million) or shooting guard Jason Richardson (three more years, $18.6 million). Turkoglu is 33 years old. Richardson is 31.
Talk about Howard trade rumors with Magic fans by checking out Orlando Pinstriped Post. To discuss Howard trade rumors with Laker fans by going to Silver Screen and Roll.
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