Tonight will mark the return of Dwight Howard to Los Angeles, when the Rockets (36-17) head to the Staples Center to take on the depleted Lakers (18-35) on ESPN in a Western Conference showdown that can be live streamed free here. Rockets fans can listen to the game on KBME Sports Talk 790, while Lakers fans can catch the action on 710 ESPN.
The Rockets and Lakers have met twice already in Houston, splitting those contests, but tonight will be Lakers' fans first chance to let Howard know what they really think of his decision to bolt Hollywood.
Howard's numbers in Houston are almost identical to his Lakers days, but the Rockets have benefitted from a visible increase in his effort and defensive impact. Prior to tonight, Howard declined to speak ill of his L.A. stint, focusing on his current situation instead.
"We enjoy each other," Howard said of his current teammates. "I'm happy to be here. The guys are happy to have me here and we're just having a lot of fun. I think the biggest thing for our team is that we're free, we're able to have fun with each other, but when we step between the lines we know it's serious."
Lakers fans might have to get their boos in early, because the Rockets are red-hot, winners of seven straight games, while the Lakers are on a three-game slide.
Howard's counterpart on Los Angeles, Pau Gasol is expected to sit out tonight's game and could be on the move in a Kevin Love trade.
"As a general manager, we're always looking a year or two or three down the road," Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said. "Our approach going into this deadline might be a little different than it's been in year's past. We may look to shore up a position going into the playoff run. It may not be. But certainly I'm respectful and mindful of our record."
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