With so much uncertainty this offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant wants to make it his business to get more involved in talks with his current teammates.
Much of the uncertainty this offseason revolves around the "Dwightmare" that is the Dwight Howard free agency saga. Bryant took to Twitter on Monday to let fans know that he'll personally get involved in the recruitment of Howard, as well as to try to convince the front-office to keep Pau Gasol in Hollywood.
However, recent developments may thwart Bryant's recruitment plans for Howard because recent reports suggest that Howard may have a slight beef with the coaching of Mike D'Antoni.
According to ESPN, Howard was one of several Lakers -Bryant and Gasol being the most noteworthy - to have an extended separate meeting with (GM Mitch Kupchak) after his exit interview with both Kupchak and D'Antoni, multiple sources confirmed. According to sources with knowledge of the situation, part of the discussion between Howard and Kupchak centered around Howard's frustration with D'Antoni - particularly how the center felt marginalized as the coach looked to Bryant and Steve Nash for leadership and suggestions and discounted Howard's voice. Every player was afforded the opportunity to meet with Kupchak individually after D'Antoni left the room, but few spent as much time as Howard and Kupchak did together.
Kupchak left the meeting with Howard undeterred, telling reporters he was "hopeful" and "optimistic" that Howard would be back with the Lakers next season and beyond, yet there have been several developments in the last couple weeks that could have an effect on Howard's decision.
The plot only thickens as Howard was recently reported to being highly intrigued by the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets, two teams who are in competition for Howard.
According to CBS Sports, Howard is intrigued by the idea of playing with either Texas teams due to the pieces they currently already have on their roster.
Howard's likely thinking about the future and signing with the Lakers will surely ensure another difficult season for Howard in the future. In the summer of 2014, while other stars will become free agents, the Lakers would only have Howard and Steve Nash under contract and will likely be in the process of rebuilding for the 2014-15 season.
Now let's imagine that if Howard were to sign with the Rockets, by the summer of 2014 the Rockets would have Howard, James Harden, Omer Asik, Chandler Parsons and Jeremy Lin on their roster, with the flexibility to add on.
Another benefit for signing with either Texas team at this point for Howard would be that he'd be saving a substantial amount of cash by paying no state income tax, which early estimates are suggesting could reach $10 million over four years.
Much is to be considered for Howard this offseason, almost making it seem like the "Dwightmare" is a never ending story.
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