So where do we stand with the latest Lakers chatter?
It's been an eventful week for the Lakers, as the rumor mill ran rampant and produced information that could forever alter the franchise's path. While some might view that as a form of hyperbole, it's far from the case.
Things are getting crazy in Los Angeles.
Dwight Howard Unlikely to Re-Sign
According to Chris Broussard of ESPN, there is "very little chance" that Dwight Howard re-signs with the Lakers this summer. This comes one day after the Lakers placed a billboard outside of the Staples Center simply saying "Stay" with Howard's face plastered across it.
Per Broussard, all signs point towards D-12 passing up more money to play in a better system.
Howard is willing to forgo the extra $30 million the Lakers can pay him to play for a coach and in a system he feels will better use his skill set, one source said.
The Lakers can offer Howard a five-year, $118 million contract, while other teams can pay him only $88 million over four years.
If this proves to be true, one of three teams will reap the benefits.
The three teams with a realistic shot at Howard are the Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets. All three teams have respected head coaches and, potentially, the cap space to bring Howard on board.
Broussard reports that D-12 will meet with all three teams before he speaks with the Lakers and is prepared to make his decision as soon as July 10.
Plan B
If Dwight Howard ends up signing elsewhere, the Los Angeles Lakers wil...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
