It would appear that the Los Angeles Lakers super team that was formed during the offseason is turning into one of the biggest bust in league history, as rumors are beginning to circulate that there is friction between the two biggest names on the roster.
Back when the Lakers first acquired center Dwight Howard in that four-team trade that sent Andrew Bynum packing to Philadelphia, there were worries amongst many how Howard and Kobe Bryant will coexist on the court at the same time.
When approached with the questions both stars gave the impression that it can and will be done to ensure the team has a successful season. Well looks like that was just wishful thinking because the two have yet to play off each other.
According to the New York Daily News, the Lakers stars got into a heated exchange following a New Year's Day loss to the 76ers, in which allegedly Bryant agreed with criticisms made by former Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal on Howard being soft.
Bryant's comments were so harsh that Howard was allegedly restrained from going at his teammate, probably to show Bryant how soft he really is.
Well three days after that altercation, following a road loss to the Clippers, Howard complained about the lack of team chemistry within the Lakers. His comments seemingly could've been a direct jab at Bryant, who is averaging a league-high 22 shots despite playing with three potential Hall of Famers.
It's starting to get real ugly in L.A. and oh what a wonderful sight to see.
Many thought because of the talent that they possess that the Lakers would be an automatic contender in the West, but many failed to realize that super teams in L.A. crash and burn as quickly as they were formed, just look at the last time they attempted this with Karl Malone and Gary Payton to play with Bryant and O'Neal.
The Lakers situation reminds me of a similar situation of a team in another sport.
The Lakers robbed teams, who were making big news worthy trades, of headlines over the summer with the acquisition of Howard and Steve Nash. It was such a fiasco that I just have to say the Lakers are looking like the New York Jets of the NBA this season.
The signings of Nash and Howard are equivalent to the Jets signing of Tim Tebow, being how much of a stir it made around the league. And like how the Jets ruined Tebow, you can say the Lakers are ruining Nash and Howard.
And it's not just Nash and Howard; you can say the same for Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni. As the team continues to struggle with the offense, more and more questions about if D'Antoni is the right coach are frequently being asked.
As well all know D'Antoni is strictly an offensive coach, but never has he been this exposed to criticism. People are having a hard time figuring out how a team with four potential Hall of Famers can stink it up so bad, and the first to get the blame is the coach.
Poor D'Antoni, but that's what happens when you leave a small market team in Phoenix, more money and more problems. It's only a matter of time before D'Antoni either gets the boot or ends up resigning like he did with the New York Knicks.
The Lakers are on a downward spiral and it's going to take a lot of effort to pick themselves back up.
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