Lakers make trade for Dwight Howard!
By koopharper
@koopharper (7477)
Canada
August 10, 2012 4:32am CST
Whoa! This is big. Dwight Howard is going to be a Laker. Bynum is going to Philadelphia and a bunch of other players are going to several teams in this one. Details are not finalized but this should shake things up a bit. Repeat is not in the bag for Miami.
5 responses
@prospectboy (754)
• United States
10 Aug 12
Although I'm not a fan of the Lakers, this was a big move for them. I think that they are easily one of the top two teams in the Western Conference now for sure. I would put them and OKC at the top now.
@prospectboy (754)
• United States
16 Aug 12
Being that I'm a Spurs and Rockets fan, I would prefer to see one of those two in the finals. However, I don't see any way that's happening. Right now I would say that the only teams that have a real shot at the title are: the Thunder, Lakers, Heat, and Bulls. The NBA is no longer competitive like it was when I was growing up.
@koopharper (7477)
• Canada
16 Aug 12
I agree the coming season is going to be dominated by a few teams. The league has a certain ebb and flow in that regard. I remember when the Lakers and Celtics were for a very long time the teams to beat. Sixers managed to be in the hunt in those days but only picked up one championship during that time. The league will even out again.
@koopharper (7477)
• Canada
12 Aug 12
This no doubt elevates them to the top of the west along side OKC. I'd like to see Nash get a ring but honestly I prefer to see OKC in the final.
@Sportseconomics (162)
• United States
10 Aug 12
I would like to say I am surprised that this happened, but I would be lying if I did. It's not exactly the first time the Lakers have gotten the big man they've wanted (think Wilt, Kareem, Shaq, Pau). Although 3 out of the 4 big names on the team now are on the older side, they can all still play some pretty good ball.
I am pretty surprised that the Lakers managed to keep Gasol after all of this as well. And given where the other players in the trade went, I can have a pretty easy time envisioning a Lakers-Heat NBA Finals next summer. However, many things could change.
@asiacevillar (643)
• Philippines
11 Aug 12
I'm a laker fan too but couldn't deny thinking that it's quite unfair to the other teams. Miami and the Lakers in an instant now becomes two of the two teams to beat.
@jvincent_129 (4994)
• Philippines
11 Aug 12
Yeah. I am a laker fan and what they did is amazing. They were planning on getting Howard and would give up Gasol and Bynum for it. They made a good deal. In turn, they didn't give up Gasol. With Gasol and Howard there, it could be the greatest frontline I've ever seen. 
@koopharper (7477)
• Canada
12 Aug 12
Shades of history repeating itself. It doesn't look that fair to other teams. I'll have to agree with that. On the other hand a lot of teams have been built that way and most of them don't become dynasties. I still think Oklahoma City is going to be a tough team to get past for the Lakers. If they are going to get to the championship they are going to have to earn it. When they get there it won't be easy to hoist that trophy. Dwight Howard hasn't exactly walked all over Chris Bosh historically.
@blue65packer (11826)
• United States
11 Aug 12
This trade for Dwight Howard is big! Hopefully he will be happy playing with the LA Lakers and Kobe Bryant! Steve Nash,too!
The Lakers have the money to get the players they want and need. It seems unfair at times to other teams who can't afford to do this. Like with my team,the Milwaukee Bucks,who are always rebuilding! Ugh!
@koopharper (7477)
• Canada
12 Aug 12
I feel your pain. I'm a Raptors fan and have spent the years watching our top talent flee to the big name teams with the cash and the reputation.
@koopharper (7477)
• Canada
10 Aug 12
This might be the ultimate test of Miami's small ball concept. Should make for an interesting season.
@jvincent_129 (4994)
• Philippines
11 Aug 12
Yeah. Strategy will come into play. Small ball vs. big line-up. lol 
@jvincent_129 (4994)
• Philippines
10 Aug 12
It's already official!!! Dwight Howard is a Laker. They have a good point guard, Steve Nash. They have an MVP shooting guard in Kobe Bryant. They have a great all-around power forward in Pau Gasol. They have a big big defensive center in Dwight Howard. What a line-up. In every position, they have a great player. lol
@koopharper (7477)
• Canada
10 Aug 12
Can't argue with that. Can they gel and play together as awesome as their individual parts? I think they can but only the coming season is going to tell us that.
@jvincent_129 (4994)
• Philippines
11 Aug 12
Yes. They can because they are not rookies anymore. They are all veterans and have experiences as a player. See them in the finals.
