The time has come. Lakers owner Jim Buss must do the unthinkable and trade away superstar Dwight Howard.
With the Lakers currently sitting at a 19-25 record and a No.12 standing in the powerful Western Conference, a change needs to be made.
This so called "dream team" of Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash all playing together is not working out at all.
As the Lakers keep losing, their playoff chances keep slipping away. It's time to shake things up and let Howard go.
After this season, Howard will be a free-agent and will have the opportunity to play for any team that gives him a contract offer. With the way things are playing out right now in Los Angeles, the big man could be headed out of town soon.
When Howard made the trip from Orlando to Los Angeles, there was no paperwork that stated he had to sign a long term deal with the Lakers. Before being traded to the team, Howard's top choices were the Brooklyn Nets and the Dallas Mavericks, and there are indications that he is still interested in signing with either one of those teams.
It's a risky move by the Lakers to bet on Howard resigning with the team because the Lakers could come out empty handed.
By trading Howard away now, the Lakers can get some key players for the future that could get this franchise back to what it’s known for.
A player like O.J. Mayo from the Dallas Mavericks, Brook Lopez from the Brooklyn Nets or other young talented players would benefit the Lakers, and are players that can be built around for the future.
Remember that Bryant is aging and is on the verge of retiring in two years. If the Lakers fail to sign Howard to a long term deal, who will be the next Lakers superstar? It's time for the Lakers to start planning for the future.
Also, the Lakers head coach’s style of offense doesn't fit Howard's game at all.
D'Antoni is known for running the pick and roll offense, which means they need a big man that can not only run to the basket, but also shoot from the outside.
Howard cannot shoot the ball for his life -- just look at his 50 percent free-throw shooting. The guy is averaging 17 points per game and 12 rebounds but can't play with a player like Kobe Bryant.
When Howard played for the Orlando Magic, he was a dominant center because he was the go-to guy. In Orlando he averaged around 20 points per game because he was able to get more shots and opportunities with the ball.
With two superstars playing together, it's going to be a tough situation because both players want the ball most of the time on offense.
Howard might also leave Los Angeles because with any other team that lacks a superstar, Howard can fulfill that role and become more of a dominant player.
There have also been many speculations that Dwight Howard isn't happy in Los Angeles and there have been reports of Howard getting into confrontations with his teammates.
Howard's attitude is questionable because he's seen as a selfish person. In Orlando, he did whatever he wanted and even forced the Magic to let go of Head Coach Stan Van Gundy because Howard didn't like him.
Dwight Howard is a top-10 player in the NBA, but there are too many question marks about his character and his future. Right now it's not looking hot in Los Angeles for the Lakers with Howard on board.
