Dwight Howard is frustrated with a coach. Sound familiar? Howard has enough star power to dictate a coach's future with a team. He was unhappy with Stan Van Gundy when the two were together in Orlando. Howard expressed his displeasure while on his way out and in return, Van Gundy was also on his way out. Mike D'Antoni might want to watch his back because Howard is none too pleased him either.
Howard met with management and D'Antoni during his exit interview after the Lakers were swept in the first round of the playoffs and he let them know exactly how he felt. According to sources, the discussion centered around Howard's overall frustrations with his head coach. He felt he was "marginalized" as Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash were the go-to guys for leadership on the team. Howard felt like his voice and opinion were discounted.
Two Lakers assistants who have been in Howard's corner are either gone or on their way out. Assistant Chuck Person was not retained for next season. Steve Clifford who worked with Howard in Orlando is a candidate for a head coaching job. This leaves very few people left that support Howard.
D'Antoni and Howard never meshed well throughout the season. He did not do a good job working with the players he had and they did not do a good enough job defending for him. By the end of the season, no one was on the same page and Bryant was forced to carry the team as far as he could before getting injured.
It is unclear just how frustrated Howard is with D'Antoni. Is he frustrated enough to turn down $30.4 million in guaranteed money? If the Lakers offer him a slightly bigger deal during free agency, is he too frustrated to take it? Howard is reportedly intrigued by several teams and could easily jump ship at the start of his free agency period. With several marquee players on the Lakers banged up and likely not returning, a change in scenery could be looking pretty good to Howard.
The Lakers have not ruled out the possibility of Howard returning for next season. But, if Howard comes back, does that mean the end of D'Antoni? Howard would be one of the best players on the Lakers next year and if he and D'Antoni cannot get on the same page, it might be the end of the coach's career in Hollywood.