Metta World Peace is never one to back away from giving his opinion on something. The always entertaining Los Angeles Lakers star has been in rare form lately giving his opinions on everything from children's books to the Miami Heat. He is fully aware of the Lakers important offseason coming up. While he is remaining coy on what he will do with his pending expiring contract and player option, he is confident that free-agent-to-be Dwight Howard will be staying with the team.
While in Houston giving an interview with Sportsradio 610, MWP addressed the rumors swirling about Howard possibly making a jump to the Rockets. The All-Star has said that he would be open to signing with Houston and intends on listening to offers. MWP is not buying what Howard is trying to sell.
"Well, he's not going to Houston, I tell you that. He can't move. If he does, it'll be painful. So he can't go nowhere," MWP said.
The Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear they intend on being very active in the fight to re-sign Howard. They also have no intentions of allowing Houston to work out a sign-and-trade for the Howard. There were rumors that the Rockets would put together a trade package in order to get Howard, but the Lakers have declined to listen to any possible offers of a trade deal.
MWP does not plan on trying to convince Howard to stay in Los Angeles. He will leave that job up to the front office and Lakers' fans to show their support for Howard and hopefully get the free agent to stay in California.
"I'm not going to try to convince him. But definitely, I enjoy him, no question about it. I'll leave the convincing to the organization and to the fans. But for myself, I'm just working out and things like that, but I definitely enjoy him. He's a great person. Whoever receives Dwight Howard, they'll really enjoy their time with him. Hopefully, it's with the Lakers, but whoever receives him will really enjoy their time," MWP said.
Howard can begin talking to team on July 1. The Rockets have been considered a favorite to land him, but the Lakers are certainly in the running. There is also the chance that Howard jumps to the Clippers to play with Chris Paul, but that rumor is very unlikely to actually happen.