Making a case against the signing of Dwight Howard

March 17, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) reacts during a stoppage in play against the Sacramento Kings during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

There’s been a lot of speculation surrounding Dwight Howard lately, and God help us we’re not even in the Conference Finals yet.

Nevertheless, I’m going to hypocritically hop on the “O-M-G what’s going to happen with Howard” bandwagon and take a stab at one of the less popular opinions; that the Lakers should not sign him.

Why?

Well, I’m glad you asked! I’ve actually got three semi-reasonable reasons not to bring back the 27-year-old. Buckle up.

1. Medium-sized fish

You hear people say it. The whole “Yeah, he’s good, but he just doesn’t have that it factor” bit. It sounds cool, it’s edgy and mysterious; it’s also vague enough that no one really questions it. But chances are you’re left scratching your head and wondering what the hell ‘it’ is.

I won’t leave you hanging though, don’t worry. The ‘it’ I’m referring to is the ability to be the face of the Lakers.

You’ll notice I said the Lakers, not of a franchise. People forget Howard has already had success as the face of a franchise – in Orlando. He lead a cast of role players to the NBA Finals. Which is pretty impressive stuff, unless you still hate him for robbing us of our Lebron vs. Kobe Finals.

At any rate, I’m just saying Howard is good. He’s Atlanta-good or Houston-good, but he’s not LA-good. Is that pompous? Well, yeah, of course it is. The Lakers expect a big fish; a Shaquille O’Neal, a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Why? Because LA is the freaking ocean, you have to be a big fish to survive.

Howard is not a big fish. He needs to find a medium-sized market where people will put up with his antics, because they won’t in LA. Howard needs to find a nice little lake somewhere and actually stay there.

2. Dude ain’t worth max money

It’s a guard dominated league, the center position is fading – regardless of how hard Howard tries to save it.

Not sure if I should laugh or puke. So I’ll laugh, because I’m just an optimistic guy.

That said, I can’t honestly say I’d give him a max deal 15 years ago either – at least where he’s at in his career right now. He has maturity issues, he can’t be relied on late in close games and his offense is still incredibly unpolished after eight years in the league.

Subsequently that does not change the fact someone is going to force the Lakers’ hand. He’s going to get a max contract. Book it.

I just hope it’s not LA. He still hasn’t proven anything in purple and gold that’s worthy of it.

3. Last time I checked, Mike D’Antoni is still the head coach

Person A: “So this Dwight Howard guy, he’s a pretty good defender right?”

Person B: “Three-time Defensive Player of the Year!”

Person A: “That’s freaking awesome, man. So the Lakers should be a lot better on defense, huh?

Person B: “Hell yeah!”

Mike D’Antonti: Trolololol.

Most of Howard’s value comes on the defensive end. But with D’Antonti at the helm, that value is never going to be realized. And seeing as the Lakers’ front office is enamored with D’Antoni – I don’t see that changing any time soon. Find the man a point guard. One that’s not 39-years-old. No offense, Steve.

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So there you have it, my thoughts on why the Lakers should not retain Dwight Howard. What do you think; Should they keep him, sign-and-trade him, let him walk? Sound off in the comment section and let us know!

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