However, despite the fact that Howard once said he would sign a long-term extension with the Lakers, it now seems as though he may not stick around for the long future. On top of that, reports say that Howard will not accept a role behind Kobe Bryant.
Sam Amick from Sports Illustrated writes that Howard would like to be the first option on the Lakers and will not be the second option behind team captain Kobe Bryant.
He [Howard] wants, as one source said, to “be Kobe Bryant, not be with Kobe Bryant.” Of course, it’s hardly that simple.
There is no way Bryant will take a back seat to Howard if he comes to Los Angeles. Although Kobe would love having a dominant center on his side, he has been the Lakers’ first option for quite some time and would like to keep it that way. Bryant has led the Lakers to two NBA championships in the past four seasons, and will most likely be the leader of the team to the day he retires.