The Los Angeles Lakers have been accustomed to signing the biggest stars in the NBA, but Dwight Howard became to the first one to forgo everything the franchise has to offer by joining another team.
After the center decided to sign with the Houston Rockets, many current and former members of the Lakers weighed in on the news. Kobe Bryant went about his business and focused on the upcoming season while Shaquille O’Neal lambasted Howard for ditching the Lakers.
11-time NBA champion Phil Jackson gave his two cents on Howard’s departure on Twitter and talked about what he expects from the Lakers in 2013-14 without the big man.
Reflection on DHoward’s exodus. He left a distaste in Lakerland The Lakers will be fine. Pau fits MDA’s style of Off-it was about the future
— Phil Jackson (@PhilJackson11) July 7, 2013
What DH brings to the game is power and D. This past year didn’t show due it to rehab and confusion. If he is better of an Astro, so be it.
— Phil Jackson (@PhilJackson11) July 7, 2013
As of right now, the Lakers have not made any major moves post-Dwight Howard, and it is expected that they will keep their core intact; Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Steve Nash will be leading the Lakers this upcoming season albeit with lower expectations.
However, the Lakers have a lot of cap space to work with in next summer’s free agency period and the front office hopes to rebuild in 2014. Although many of the young stars are restricted free agents, the Lakers’ management has a history of great acquisitions and hopefully the franchise can get back to its winning ways soon.
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