Mitch Kupchak releases official statement on Dwight Howard meeting

November 18, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) and power forward Pau Gasol (16) laugh during the game against the Houston Rockets at the Staples Center. Lakers won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

"Jim Buss, Mike D’Antoni, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Tim Harris and I, along with representatives from (TWC and AEG) met this afternoon for approximately two hours with Dwight Howard and his representatives Dan Fegan and Happy Walters. We told (Howard) how important he is to the Lakers team, franchise, fans and community, and why we feel this is the best place for him to continue his career. We are hopeful that Dwight decides to remain a Laker."

Along with the statement, Kupchak confirmed those who attended the meeting: owner Jim Buss, head coach Mike D’Antoni, players Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash, senior vice president of business operations Tim Harris, general manager Mitch Kupchak, and TWC SportsNet, AEG reps.

Dwight Howard will now leave the state of California for a couple days to debate which team he’ll join, according to Adrian Wojnarowski.