Dwight

[murrke03]

Dwight Howard might be willing to leave Lakers in free agency this summer in pursuit of a championship | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/dwight-howard-might-willing-leave-lakers-free-agency-204526893--nba.html)

typical dwight.

[Orangejello727]

Add him to the list of Mcgrady and VC. They chased it and never got one.

THe only exception was Zo. He demanded a trade to a championship team or else he wouldnt play (With the Raps). You can add Zo to the list that got a ring the easy way!!

[paul06901]

Go to the mavs like you should have instead of the lakers :d

[burke23]

Dwight Howard might be willing to leave Lakers in free agency this summer in pursuit of a championship | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/dwight-howard-might-willing-leave-lakers-free-agency-204526893--nba.html)

typical dwight.

How was lebron any different? Sorry - if I was in his shoes, i would want to go where I thought I would have the best chance of winning a ring as well. People talk about the legacy of players that comes with winning championships (and the potential lack of one if they don't), but then criticize players who want to put themselves in the best position to win a ring.

And no - I don't blame Lebron. His method of announcing was tacky/tactless, but the move was the right thing.

[pac213up]

How was lebron any different? Sorry - if I was in his shoes, i would want to go where I thought I would have the best chance of winning a ring as well.

If you are on the tail end of your career it is one thing but if you are in the prime and are chasing rings it is viewed differently. Guys admitting they are not good enough to carry a team to a title during the prime years of their career is a relatively new thing in the NBA.

[xavieronly1]

If you are on the tail end of your career it is one thing but if you are in the prime and are chasing rings it is viewed differently. Guys admitting they are not good enough to carry a team to a title during the prime years of their career is a relatively new thing in the NBA.

Because the media and fans only count the number of rings, not "how" to get it.

[burke23]

If you are on the tail end of your career it is one thing but if you are in the prime and are chasing rings it is viewed differently. Guys admitting they are not good enough to carry a team to a title during the prime years of their career is a relatively new thing in the NBA.

I don't think that's it at all. Garnett wasn't at the tail end of his career when he forced his way out of MN. Barkley wasn't in Philly. Lebron sure as crap wasn't. All realized their mgmt wasn't putting players around them that would give them a chance to win it all, and that they would have a better chance to succeed with another star on their team (IE Jordan/Pippen, Magic/Kareem, Bird/Mchale, etc).

Dwight already knows he can't win by himself - that's being a realist. I also believe he probably knows he has a good shot now if/when the Lakers get a healthy Nash, but that he is also on a team where the other stars are on the wrong side of 30.

[pac213up]

I don't think that's it at all. Garnett wasn't at the tail end of his career when he forced his way out of MN. Barkley wasn't in Philly. Lebron sure as crap wasn't. All realized their mgmt wasn't putting players around them that would give them a chance to win it all, and that they would have a better chance to succeed with another star on their team (IE Jordan/Pippen, Magic/Kareem, Bird/Mchale, etc).

Dwight already knows he can't win by himself - that's being a realist. I also believe he probably knows he has a good shot now if/when the Lakers get a healthy Nash, but that he is also on a team where the other stars are on the wrong side of 30.

Tail end was not the right choice of words. At or past their prime would be more accurate, especially in how it relates to them over the length of their next contract. Big difference between being 26 and 29-30.

[1eyed_jack]

If Dwight wants to win, he's got to make free throws, plain and simple. It sounds like he just wants a ring handed to him.

The Lakers certainly have their issues this year outside of Howard, but his free throw shooting has really hurt them in 3 or 4 of their losses

[murrke03]

It's been like 15 games. He should at least keep his mouth shut until closer to the end of these season. Typical Dwight being dramatic.

[bbplaya11]

this is funny, no matter where he goes he won't win a ring as he's the problem

[burke23]

It's been like 15 games. He should at least keep his mouth shut until closer to the end of these season. Typical Dwight being dramatic.

That I can agree with. Didn't read the story, but only way his FA should come up is if he is prompted via a question. Even then, he could say that he's not really thinking about it at this time. However I don't fault him for thinking that he will assess all his options and go where he gets the best chance to win a ring.

As for him being the reason, that's a bit of a stretch given they wouldn't be as competitive without him.

[paul06901]

I think it's hilarious how many games over his entire career, that his team LOST ... where if he made the freethrows he missed, they would have won the game.

Example: Dwight goes 8-21 from FT and they lose by 6.

Had he made all of FTs, they win by PLENTY :D



I know it's the same to be said for any player, but consistently missing more FTs than you make shows it has a huge impact on winning vs losing when you're shooting 20+ per game...

[remlaf01]

I agree Dwight should start by improving his free throws... shooting below 50% at the FT line is ridiculous for ANY nba player. These guys are supposed to be the best in the world.

Now, I understand as a big man he's not expected to be a great FT shooter. He's a great player and does a lot of other stuff. But instead of getting better with the years he's getting worse (at FT line). He only needs to start shooting at least 60%, it shouldn't be that hard. I'm sure there are people who could help him with his motion in LA. He just doesn't have great touch, his release is very rough.

[bigcwd2000]

I agree Dwight should start by improving his free throws... shooting below 50% at the FT line is ridiculous for ANY nba player. These guys are supposed to be the best in the world.

Now, I understand as a big man he's not expected to be a great FT shooter. He's a great player and does a lot of other stuff. But instead of getting better with the years he's getting worse (at FT line). He only needs to start shooting at least 60%, it shouldn't be that hard. I'm sure there are people who could help him with his motion in LA. He just doesn't have great touch, his release is very rough.

I agree. Playing basketball is his job so he should have plenty of time to practice shooting free throws and improve. I wonder if it is all in his head or if it's something else. He should not be this bad of a free throw shooter.

[tristan20]

Makes no sense to leave him in the game during the 4th quarter, sorry to say.

Instead of working on his Hook shot he should work on his FT shot. Also why is he fouling so much?

But the Hack a Howard is the reason why teams are beating the Lakers, "the system" is working against them.

[dasiegel]

he;s just a big baby, if you can't win with kobe, pau, ron artest, atawn jamison and eventually steve nash, good luck jumping teams for that title

[fullmetal]

Swing on over to San Antonio! I've always enjoyed watching him play...well until this year. No Lakers' player receives my support.

[bigcwd2000]

He could always join the Heat. =)

[remlaf01]

He could always join the Heat. =)

Except he couldn't get his $20 Millions per year with the Heat :D

Honestly, I think the Heat will repeat this year anyway. I just don't see who can beat them. The Lakers should be a great team when Nash comes back and they figure out how to play together, but they are too old. Nash, Kobe, Gasol and Artest are all past their prime.

[fullmetal]

Except he couldn't get his $20 Millions per year with the Heat :D

Honestly, I think the Heat will repeat this year anyway. I just don't see who can beat them. The Lakers should be a great team when Nash comes back and they figure out how to play together, but they are too old. Nash, Kobe, Gasol and Artest are all past their prime.

No state income tax.

[xavieronly1]

Stern should fine teams for doing hack-of-howard. Fans do not want to see FT-missing.

Or Stern should fine Howard for missing FT since it is boring.

[nateadams2]

maybe he should go to the rockets. i'm sure they could win a title then.

[Kosmo Kards]

If the Lakers don't make him happy, then who can?

[Chucky]

If the Lakers don't make him happy, then who can?

I would assume you've been watching their games this year....not exactly playing good ball. The pieces arent fitting together. Reminds me of the big payroll Yankees that were 10 years between championships. Cant blame Dwight for wanting to be somewhere he feels comfortable and can win. It may or may not be the Lakers.

[MikeMamba]

Lakers can still do a sign and trade if he decides to leave?

I doubt he does though, he just needs to shut the f*** up and play.
He will leave so much $$$ on the table contract wise and endorsement wise...
He might say its not about the money but at the end of the day, it is.

[thepinoymamba]

It will take some time to gel... especially with the injuries it would be hard to catch up. I'm hoping this would not turn out to be like the 04 championship. Malone and Payton chasing one.

[jason122883]

He is the one player in the NBA I hope NEVER gets a title

[cjvs72]

Players leaving their teams like Howard and Lebron is always a hot topic to win that ring. How do you guys view Dirk who took his team (where he grew up ) and win a ring. Something even Garnett can't say he did

[murrke03]

i dont think its about leaving a team to try and win a championship.

its the fact thats its been 15 games and he's already whining about it. he need to grow up and give shaq back the nickname cause he doesnt deserve it

[1eyed_jack]

How Dwight continues to be in games that are close is beyond me. What a joke

[tristan20]

Great system!

Hack a Howard, the only system that works!

[MikeMamba]

I'm pissed!!!!!

[MikeMamba]

I'm tired of everyone blaming Gasol

Garbage coaching towards the end, should have taken Dwight out until the 2min mark.

That game should have not even that close, also tired of the Lakers announcers talking about Kobe's 30K points or whatever. I don't give a sh** about that if they aren't winning!

[sblez]

Lakers are not going to be able win a close game anymore unless a miracle happens (dwight learning how to shoot fts). LOL. And the Lakers are stuck with Dantoni. LOL. Rockets had no business winning that game. TONEY DOUGLAS!!!

[Quigley24]

How in the world does a team give up 22 points to Toney Douglas and 21 to Craig Smith off the bench!? Nash is far from a good defender, and as long as they have Dwight shooting free throws late, these Lakers are going to struggle immensely down the stretch.

[tristan20]

Hey look at it this way, Kobe gets to jack up all the shots to make his average.

Ill advised last shot 3 pointer, another missed clutch shot that no one will remember from Kobe.

He should have passed it for an easy two and overtime.

[1eyed_jack]

Hey look at it this way, Kobe gets to jack up all the shots to make his average.

Ill advised last shot 3 pointer, another missed clutch shot that no one will remember from Kobe.

He should have passed it for an easy two and overtime.

Ok, he missed those, but what about the clutch three he made?

I'd go for the win too, if I knew Dwight would play overtime.

The Lakers were looking good until hack a Dwight started.

[tristan20]

Maybe by June they will figure it out? Phil Jackson must love this LOL

[tierre_brown]

How in the world does a team give up 22 points to Toney Douglas and 21 to Craig Smith off the bench!? Nash is far from a good defender, and as long as they have Dwight shooting free throws late, these Lakers are going to struggle immensely down the stretch.

GREG Smith, not Craig.

IMO, and I'm probably in the minority, D'Antoni is doing the right thing. Yes, it cost them this game, but a season is more than just this one game. Leave Dwight in there, let him cost the team games, and say it's on you to improve. If he doesn't improve, then Dwight comes off as an even more selfish diva. If he does, it'll be for the best. Embarrassment may be the only way to get through Dwight's thick skull.

Plus, you know Kobe is going to go apeshit on him in the locker room...

[tristan20]

GREG Smith, not Craig.

IMO, and I'm probably in the minority, D'Antoni is doing the right thing. Yes, it cost them this game, but a season is more than just this one game. Leave Dwight in there, let him cost the team games, and say it's on you to improve. If he doesn't improve, then Dwight comes off as an even more selfish diva. If he does, it'll be for the best. Embarrassment may be the only way to get through Dwight's thick skull.

Plus, you know Kobe is going to go apeshit on him in the locker room...

What does Dwight have to prove? All his career he didn't have to worry about it, now all of a sudden its something he has to work on? Lakers knew that before they traded for him.

Fact is they have so much more talent than these teams that are beating them lately, they should have commanding leads in the 4th, so no amount of hacking would help.

They played the Mike Brown excuse, they played the Gasol excuse, whats next up on the list of excuses? Duhon? The coming of the Messiah, Steve Nash?