After the news broke that the Lakers had acquired Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic in exchange for Andrew Bynum, the next logical question to ask was whether or not Howard would immediately agree to an extension with Los Angeles.
—- Get your Lakers Nation gear and show off your team pride! —-
According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the reporter who broke the story, Howard will not sign an immediate extension with Los Angeles.
ESPN source says Dwight definitely NOT doing extension with Lakers. Will test drive Lakerland for season and go to free agency in July 2013
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) August 10, 2012
So what happens if Howard’s time in L.A. doesn’t work out like he wants? Stein says he could still explore the Dallas Mavericks, where he was rumored to end up if Orlando held onto him until he was a free agent.
If L.A. does not work out for Dwight, says source briefed on his thinking, he knows “Dallas will be there for him.” Mavs will have cap space
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) August 10, 2012
One thing is now certain, Howard will begin the season in Los Angeles, and they will hold his Bird rights. This means they can offer him an additional $25 million in salary, something the Mavericks will be unable to do.
Howard reportedly was interested in signing an extension with the Lakers a few weeks ago, but was unable to admit so publicly due to various reasons.
Regardless, the Dwight Howard drama is finally over. Well, until the season starts.