Howard Would Make L.A. Favorites In The West

Lakers legend Magic Johnson is in the headlines with his Twitter account.

According to John Krolik of Pro Basketball Talk, the former NBA point guard recently put out a tweet saying: “Lakers should think about calling the Orlando Magic.”

Shortly thereafter, Magic put the message to rest, by canceling what appeared to be a hint aimed towards the Lakers to go after Orlando’s superstar center, Dwight Howard.

Howard is scheduled to be a free agent next season, and has already came out publicly saying he wants change in Orlando or else he’s out.

Is this the Lakers’ cue to pursue the NBA’s best center?

It may be, if you consider the current roster to already have reached its peak potential.  After getting swept by Dallas, it’s safe to say, they have maxed out.

With that said, an upgrade not only at center, but in general, defensively, would change the whole complexion of the Lakers club.  All around, everyone would improve by having the presence of Howard in the middle.  No longer, would teams attack the paint in the fashion the Mavs did during the Semis.  Mike Brown has to be smiling somewhere, reading this article.

Offensively, you would allow Kobe to go some nights without having to shoot 15 or more times.  That, along with Pau Gasol becoming more of a threat; you could say this is a win-win move for the Lakers to seek Howard’s services this summer.  Imagine, how much this deal would enhance Kobe’s efficiency.  Instantly, the Purple and Gold would regain their stature as the West’s team to beat.

Let’s dive in and think about this trade: Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, ’12 and ’13 first round picks for Dwight Howard, Chris Duhon, and Quentin Richardson.  The salaries would match up and it would be a deal that would benefit both sides, that is, if Orlando really believes Dwight will leave the Magic Kingdom.

Here’s the Lakers starting five with the trade in effect: PG, Derek Fisher.  SG, Kobe Bryant.  SF, Ron Artest.  PF, Pau Gasol.  C, Dwight Howard.

The rest of the rotation: PG, Chris Duhon, Steve Blake.  SG, Shannon Brown.  SF, Matt Barnes, Quentin Richardson, Luke Walton.  PF, Derrick Caracter, Devin Ebanks.

That would leave two roster spots open to make another move happen.  So, is this “The Summer of Dwight?”  Superman or Nothing?  Sounds like a plan the Lakers should try to execute.  Thanks, Magic!