Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (R) drives against LA Lakers' Robert Sacre. (Photo : Getty Images)
The NBA Free agency rumors are heating up as teams and players position themselves to make the best deals.
One thing that we'll definitely be reminded of this offseason is that the NBA is a business. There will be quotes of basketball reasons all around, but money, markets and individual brands will definitely be considered.
It is widely believed that the best businessmen never really burn any bridges, just in case they need to cross it again. Will that adage apply this offseason? One case of that is Dwight Howard and the LA Lakers.
Howard left the Lakers via free agency in the summer of 2013 and spurned the Tinseltown team for the Houston Rockets. Now, Howard can exercise a player option again and one team that has the cap space and an urgent need to sign a starting center.
The team sites have discussed the possibility. Lake Show Life has asked the question. The reality is that there are so many teams with cap space and not a lot of free agents. As the season wore on, Hassan Whiteside of the Miami Heat, perceived to be the Lakers' main target seems like a lock to stay in South Beach.
With the uncertainty over Chris Bosh's health situation, it's unlikely Pat Riley will let him walk even though he's an unrestricted free agent. Another big name, Al Horford, seems keen on either the Boston Celtics or staying in Atlanta.
The rest of the unrestricted field (since restricted free agent Andre Drummond isn't leaving Detroit) Joakim Noah and Al Jefferson, would not be as good as Howard presently is despite his deterioration. With the context of Howard actually being the best available option, would the Lakers swallow their pride and pursue him?
The strong answer on most of the Lakers faithful is "No." There is a lot of pride on the team's fanbase. But what about the decision makers, Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak, whose positions on the team may be on the line? What if Howard was the option for success?
It can be reasoned that most of the players from that ill-fated 2012-13 team are gone, including Kobe Bryant. The idea of letting bygones be bygones are would seem plausible.
However, Mark Heisler of the LA Daily News reminded everyone about the "Dwightmare" and he even noted that Howard turning down the $ 130 million, 5-year contract from the Lakers was actually a blessing in disguise. Howard has gone on a steep decline and there's no indication that the tide would turn.
The Lakers are more likely to try out a different name, even if it's not as big as Howard. Joakim Noah is a good option and he was a good mentor to his younger teammates in Chicago.
It's safe to say, a return to Lakerland is highly unlikely for Dwight Howard, but stranger things have happened in the offseason.
