Feb 22, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers small forward Metta World Peace (15) high fives center Dwight Howard (12) during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
In a recent interview, the player formerly known as Ron Artest spoke his thoughts on why Dwight Howard left the Los Angeles Lakers.
"“I always knew Dwight was going to Houston. Things weren’t clicking. Once Kobe said he could come back for three years, I knew Dwight was going to Houston.”"
Earlier in the free agency period, Kobe talked about how he thought he was going to be able to play for a few more years. There were rumors saying that was one of the reasons Howard burned the Lakers and signed with the Rockets. There was also a rumor about Howard wanting to be “the guy”, something he wouldn’t be if Kobe sticks around for a few more years. World Peace had something to say about that, as well.
"“It’s not about being the guy. It’s about clicking. Dwight never wanted to be the guy. Dwight did have some flaws just like anybody. Everybody has flaws. But Dwight just wanted to be comfortable. He wasn’t comfortable [here]. But once that happened [with Bryant’s comments], I knew Dwight wasn’t coming back. I knew he wasn’t going to come back.”"
When asked about if he thought Dwight Howard made the right decision in joining the Rockets, MWP said he believes he made the right choice if he wants to win right now.
"“He wants to win. With [James] Harden and those young boys, he has a chance to ride out the wave and wait for these old boys to get old. Right now, Houston has a good shot to win now. The Lakers are broken up and at some point in time, the young veterans will beat the old veterans. Our team needed to have chemistry right away. We should’ve because we’re all vets. It’s a shame that we didn’t.”"
The former Laker seems to have confirmed a lot of thoughts going around the basketball world with regards to why Dwight Howard moved on.
What do YOU think of Metta World Peace’s comments on Dwight Howard?