The "Dwight-mare" continues, as speculation is growing that the Lakers feel as if their grip on free agent center Dwight Howard is loosening by the second.
Some sources close to the Lakers say the organization fears it has fallen to fourth on Howard's order of possible destinations, and that the Golden State Warriors are a dark horse to land the NBA's top free agent.
One source told ESPN.com that if the $30 million more than any other team Los Angeles can offer isn't enough to entice him, then a sign-and-trade, which L.A. previously wasn't interested in, could be on the table. The source said in the event he wants to leave, the team "will look at everything."
While the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks have long been touted as L.A.'s top competition, Warriors coach Mark Jackson is said to have given an inspiring pitch to Howard that impressed him. The Warriors also have incredible shooters in Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson to complement Howard's post presence.
Reports are that Golden State is working feverishly to unload the hefty contracts of Andrew Bogut, Richard Jefferson and Andris Biedrins to clear room for the maximum contract Howard is set to earn. If Howard chooses Houston or Golden State, sign-and-trades may need to be executed for each team to fit his massive salary.
It is believed that Howard was turned off in his meeting with the Lakers' contingent by fellow superstar Kobe Bryant, with whom Howard was said to clash during the regular season.
In the most recent meeting, Bryant told Howard he needed to "learn how it's [winning titles] done." He continued, "I know how to do it and I've learned from the best - players who have won multiple times over and over," Bryant said, according to witnesses. "Instead of trying to do things your way, just listen and learn and tweak it, so it fits you."
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