Now, Howard’s former head coach Stan Van Gundy, has thrown his opinion into the ring. Van Gundy said during an interview with ESPN 1080 in Orlando that he believes the Lakers have a 50/50 shot of keeping Howard in Los Angeles.
“That’s going to be an interesting thing,” Van Gundy said. “I think they will keep him for the rest of the year. I think they still think they’ve got a lot to offer and can re-sign him. So, I think he’ll be there for the rest of the year, but I think it’s ’50-50′ or maybe even worse odds for the Lakers that they can retain him at the end of the year and if they realize that, you could see them make a move at the trading deadline.”
There’s no question it’s been a tumultuous season so far for the Lakers, and it certainly hasn’t been easy for Howard. After coming off back surgery he’s had trouble regaining his former explosiveness, and at times has been wildly inconsistent. There have also been reported feuds between Howard and Kobe Bryant, as both guys are frustrated with the team’s lack of success.
Whether Howard stays with Los Angeles or moves on at the end of the season is obviously yet to be seen. Still, we’re hearing more and more people suggest that Howard won’t be around next year, either via trade or choosing to sign elsewhere.