Lakers News: Kobe Bryant Reacts To Dwight Howard Altercation

The Los Angeles Lakers began their 2014-15 season with a devastating 108-90 loss to the Houston Rockets that saw Julius Randle go down with a fractured tibia. Coming into the game, many focused on Kobe Bryant taking on Dwight Howard’s Rockets for the first time.

— Have You Seen These LIMITED EDITION “Mamba Strikes Back” T-Shirts? —

During the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s game, everything was clearly in Houston’s control but that didn’t stop the former teammates from getting into a verbal altercation. After Howard grabbed a rebound, Bryant hounded him defensively and received elbows to the face.

Following the game, Kobe Bryant downplayed the tension between himself and Howard according to the LA Times’ Mike Bresnahan:

Bryant also called Dwight a ‘teddy bear’ while adding that the two didn’t see eye-to-eye on some things:

It is highly believed Howard’s carefree demeanor didn’t mesh well with Bryant’s ultra-competitive work ethic causing a rift between the two during their time together with the Lakers. Once the season ended, Howard left the Lakers in free agency to join the Rockets.

Before the game, Howard commented on his decision to leave the Lakers and revealed it wasn’t because he feared Bryant. Although the two teams met four times last season, Bryant wasn’t in action as he recovered from a torn achilles early in the season and a knee injury later in the year. The Lakers next face the Rockets on November 19 in Houston.

[divide]

Lakers Byron Scott Expects Dwight Howard To Want To Beat The Crap Out Of The Lakers


Please enable Javascript to watch this video

You May Also Like

2019 NBA Draft: Jarrett Culver Scheduled For Pre-Draft Workout With Lakers

Texas Tech guard Jarrett Culver is scheduled for a 2019 NBA pre-draft…

Lakers News: Luke Walton Wants L.A. To Shoot Fewer Three-Pointers

his season, the Los Angeles Lakers have been making a concerted effort to attack the rim and avoid shots from beyond the three-point arc….

Lakers Video: Lonzo Ball Has One-on-One Work Out With NBA Legend Isiah Thomas

The Los Angeles Lakers made history during the 2017 NBA Draft when they chose guard Lonzo Ball with the No. 2 overall pick…

OFFICIAL: Lakers Sign Christian Wood To Two-Year Contract With Player Option In Second Year

The Los Angeles Lakers announced they have officially signed big man Christian Wood to a two-year contract reported to be…