Dwight Howard (Photo : REUTERS)
The Los Angeles Lakers front-office did what they were supposed to do this offseason. They were able to book meetings with their target free-agents, including a rare opportunity to woe LaMarcus Aldridge twice. But in the end, the vaunted banner of purple-and-gold seemed to have already lost its 'big market' edge over its competitors in big-name hunting.
Although they have recovered quite nicely after scoffing Brandon Bass and Lou Williams off the free-agency market and snagging Roy Hibbert from the Indiana Pacers, the Lakers roster are considered mediocre at best in comparison to the elites of the Western Conference. And for a historic franchise like the Lakers, being mediocre is certainly unacceptable.
That's why it might be ideal to start looking forward to what's in store for the Lakers in the summer of 2016, when they have a chance to make a strong case for Kevin Durant, DeMar DeRozan and Dwight Howard.
You read it right. The Lakers are expected to pursue the estranged All-Star center again when he exercises his early termination option in his contract with the Houston Rockets next summer.
Let's face it. The Rockets are in a make-or-break situation after all the maneuvers they have done to get themselves in the thick of things in a very competitive Western Conference title-race. The bar is set higher for the Rockets next season after winding up runner-up to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference finals. Unfortunately, they are also aware that failing to reach the NBA Finals could be a devastating scenario for them, as there's a legit chance Howard bolts out once more for better chance of winning.
It no secret Howard is perhaps the most-hated player to ever wear a purple and gold jersey following his 'decision' to turn his back on the Lakers for the Rockets in 2013. In fact, he has been mocked and blamed for all the struggles the Lakers are going through up to now. It's very easy to hate Howard. Then again, it might not be that hard as well to welcome him back with open arms.
Despite all the animosity created by his decision two summers ago, Howard will always be on top of the Lakers' wish list next summer. Hungry to reclaim its old glory, the Lakers will consider all options on deck, including bringing back someone that once broke their hearts, to get them back where they believe they truly belong.
On the other hand, it won't be surprising at all if Howard considers returning to the Lakers, especially if Kobe Bryant retires at the end of this coming season. For all we know, Bryant was the main reason why he left in the first place. With the King of L.A gone, Howard has a chance to get the throne and hopefully win throngs of Lakers fans back.
It would be a grueling healing process between Howard and Lakers loyalists. However, from what LeBron James showed last season, a player can be a villain to everyone's superhero in a blink of an eye as long as the team keeps winning, and that's all that matters.
