Dwight Howard broke the hearts of Los Angeles Lakers fans when he announced that he was leaving the team to sign with the Houston Rockets. Howard, who played for the L.A. Lakers in 2012-13, never fit with the team from the onset. After Howard made his decision, Kobe Bryant revealed his feelings by unfollowing Howard on Twitter.
But while the Lakers could have paid Howard nearly $30 million more than any other team, it was obvious that he didn’t plan on resigning with Los Angeles.
Here are 5 reasons Dwight Howard did not re-sign with L.A. Lakers.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant approaches the game of basketball like a drill sergeant. He relishes discipline from his teammates and gets highly annoyed when they lose focus. Dwight Howard has a gregarious personality and often goofs around. It was apparent that the two superstars couldn’t co-exist due to their contrasting personalities. Howard often appeared frustrated by Kobe’s unyielding persistence. Howard couldn’t imagine playing another two years under Kobe’s regime.
Coach Mike D’Antoni
The Lakers blew it when they decided to hire Mike D’Antoni over Phil Jackson last season. D’Antoni’s run and gun offense leaves very little space for Howard to dominate like he did with the Orlando Magic. D’Antoni often seemed confused on how to utilize Howard’s strengths.
The Limelight in L.A. is too big
Howard wants to play for championships, but he doesn’t want the pressure. When it comes to the Lakers, it’s championships or bust. Moreover, every single game is put under a microscope because of the media’s presence in the city. Howard is better off playing in a smaller market with a team that has the pieces to compete for a title.
The Legacy of the Lakers is too big
The Lakers are known for establishing dynasties with the best players to ever play the game. Along with Kobe Bryant, Laker legends include Wilt Chamberlin, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal. The pressure to follow in those footsteps are too big for Howard. He has the talent, but, currently, lacks the heart.
Houston Rockets presented the best option
The Rockets are a young team with an explosive James Harden on the rise. Furthermore, the Houston press won’t criticize Howard’s every move if the team doesn’t win from the onset. He can be the man without dealing the massive pressure of being a Laker.
