Dwight Howard News: Free-Agent Center Complains D'Antoni Misused Him

Dwight Howard openly complained to Lakers management in his exit interview that he was being misused by Coach Mike D’Antoni, according to ESPN.

ESPN also reports that after initially meeting with both D’Antoni and GM Mitch Kupchak, Howard had a lengthy one-on-one with Kupchak where he expressed his frustrations with the way he thought D’Antoni relied more heavily on Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash for leadership and rarely sought his input.

Bryant and Pau Gasol also elected for private meetings with Kupchak, sources told ESPN, but neither was thought to be as intense as Howard’s.

Nonetheless, Kupchak reportedly left the meeting with his all-star, free-agent center feeling confidant and assuring reporters “he was "hopeful" and "optimistic" that Howard would be back with the Lakers next season and beyond.

Howard can sign a five-year, $118 million max-level extension to stay in L.A. come July 1. The most he could receive from another team is a four-year deal worth $87.6 million.

But even given the $30.4 million in increased earnings he could receive by staying put, Howard’s L.A. return seems hardly a given. Since being bounced in the first round of the playoffs by San Antonio, D’Antoni announced he will not be retaining assistant Chuck Person and Steve Clifford, another assistant, has emerged as a top head-coaching candidate.

Both are viewed as confidants of Howard and one source told ESPN their departures would be like “removing the buffers” between Howard and D’Antoni.

For what it’s worth, Bryant has indicated he plans to speak with owners about his desires to have both Howard and Gasol return next season.

“Interesting off season looming,” he tweeted Monday. “Will spend time with D12 and talk with Buss family in hopes Pau stays as well.”

Houston and Dallas have already indicated they covet Howard as have Cleveland and Atlanta.

 

 

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