NBA Free Agency 2013: What We Know Heading Into The Big Day
By Jacob Rude
November 27, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) reacts to a foul called against him during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Today’s the day. Today, the Lakers have their chance to shape their future, whether it be positively or negatively. At the end of the day, having a player like Dwight Howard on the team will be a positive in the future.
Rumors and reports have swirled around for days and weeks leading up to these meetings. While we are just as unsure as you about what will happen at said meeting, we can help clear up the details we do know.
- The Lakers are the fifth and final team to meet with Howard. The Rockets met with the big man at midnight eastern time Sunday night/Monday morning. On Monday, the Hawks and Warriors pitched their team to the big man, and today the Mavs will have their shot first before the Lakers get the final say.
- While the Rockets had the first official sit down with the free agent big man, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak met with Howard on Saturday, then swooped in before Howard met with the Rockets contingent to let the big man know how much the Lakers want the big man’s services.
- When the Lakers sit down Tuesday to meet with Howard, they’ll have a solid cast to persuade the big man. While the final roster is not set, we do know that Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Mike D’Antoni, Mitch Kupchak, and Jim Buss will all be present. Many other former Lakers have offered their sources, but it is unsure who all will be in attendance. We do know that Phil Jackson and Magic Johnson won’t be, as Magic is in Europe and Jackson is headed to his Montana home.
- Following Howard’s meeting with the Lakers, he’ll likely go into deliberation. Howard wants to make a quick decision and sign on the first day possible, July 10. He’ll have just over a week to make that decision.
At the end of the day, only Dwight Howard knows what Dwight Howard wants. As fans, we’ll just have to sit back and watch the dominoes fall as they may.