When news FINALLY came out last week that Dwight Howard had decided to take his jovial talents to Houston, my first thought, in all honesty, was “Good Riddance”. As a lifelong Lakers fan, I’d soured long ago on his hook shots from half court in pregame warm ups, constantly smiling and joking after losses in the locker room, and ridiculous complaints about not getting touches in the post (Google last year’s leaders for post touches…I dare you). It was almost exhausting trying to keep track of his moods and watching the Lakers’ organization tiptoe around him because they obviously wanted him to re-sign in the offseason.
Well, it was all for naught, and it really is for the better, and I have 4 really, really good reasons why this is true:
- He was never comfortable in LA, playing in Kobe’s shadow, not taking ownership of this team. He just didn’t like the constant spotlight and how inherently wishy-washy some Lakers’ fans and media are.
- Dwight did not like playing with Kobe. And he could not stand the thought of potentially playing 2-3 more years with the Mamba. It was just a match made in hell, the uber-compeitive Bryant and the I-Just-Want-People-To-Like-Me Howard.
- From the Lakers’ standpoint, why on earth would you want to commit 5 years of max $$ to a guy who has never proven he could handle a major team in a big market and lead them to the promised land? To a guy who says winning championships is all it’s about, but doesn’t back it up with his actions? And don’t forget that Howard has had nagging back and shoulder issues the last two years. Just sayin’
- With Dwight and Kobe under contract, the Lakers lose the opportunity to cash in on the depth of free agents available in 2014 AND lose out on an opportunity to “lose gracefully” this season since they do own their own 2014 1st round pick (Andrew Wiggins anyone?). Now that the Lakers have DHo’s money available, trading Steve Nash and/or Pau Gasol while amnestying Metta Ron World Artest Peace would put the Lakers guaranteed cap commitments for 2014-15 at $0. WIth Dwight and Kobe (even at a discount), half of their cap space is instantly gobbled up.
Now don’t get me wrong, I think DHo is a fantastic player. He’s a difference maker defensively and this past season wasn’t even close to being his fault. You add significant injuries to your core players, horrible coaching throughout the season (don’t get me started on Mike Antoni…I will NOT add a D to his name after spending a season watching this team not play defense), and no consistent production from the bench, and what you have is a middling team that struggles to make the playoffs. When Howard is healthy and engaged, there is no better enforcer in the middle. However, he was neither of those things this past year, and the “not being engaged” part is what bothers me the most.
When you’re a star playing for the Lakers, you don’t have the luxury of taking nights off. It just doesn’t fly, because the team and its fans won’t tolerate it. Kobe Bryant won’t tolerate it. And at some point, your talent level doesn’t even matter anymore (right Shaq?). And when I think of the possibility of DHo “leading” this team for the next 5 years, hoping to have the baton passed to him by Kobe, it made me sick to my stomach. He’s not a leader. Never has been, never will be. (Say what you will about Kobe’s leadership skills and tactics, but it’s clearly proven to be effective. It may not always make people happy, but with the right mix of players, it works out just fine) He chose to go to a city where the pressure won’t be so high, where he can share the weight of the world with another young superstar (James Harden), and surround himself with a community that will absolutely shower him with praise. I totally understand where he’s coming from, I just don’t necessarily agree with that line of thinking.
And at the end of the day, the most consistent franchise in NBA history can’t be led by a player who doesn’t value and cherish winning above all else. Losing a player to a conference rival in his prime (kind of) and getting nothing in return can be devastating. But what the Lakers gain with Howard’s departure may not be seen for a season or two, but it will prove to be the right move for both DHo and the Lakers.
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Ziad Dahdul 