Dwight Howard has had all his meetings with several NBA teams vying for his services, but the pitch from the Los Angeles Lakers, the team trying to retain him, had the most interesting pitch.
Legendary Laker Kobe Bryant told Howard that he "needs to learn how it's done," according to sources close to the team. "I know how to do it and I've learned from the best - players who have won multiple times over and over. Instead of trying to do things your way, just listen and learn and tweak it, so it fits you," Bryant told Howard.
Bryant and Howard appeared to have a rocky relationship at best last season, and Howard came off many times as sensitive to criticism. While the other teams pitched Howard on being the centerpiece of their respective franchises, Bryant tried to sell him on humbling himself, essentially, and soaking Bryant's five-championship wisdom.
Kobe also said he would not stop riding Howard, and motivating him on a daily basis; he cited Michael Jordan's brand of tough leadership as an example he learned from.
Whether or not Bryant's pitch was effective, though, is unknown. Howard has gone to Colorado with associates and advisors, and is contemplating his next move. The free agent center has previously stated that he plans on making his choice on July 10th.
Bryant is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered late in the regular season, and there isn't a concrete timetable for a return from the 34-year-old, 17-year NBA vet. If winning is Howard's top priority, the Lakers may not be his ideal choice.
The team that, on paper, best suits Dwight on the court is Houston, where he can pair with shooting guard James Harden and form one of the NBA's best inside-out combinations. The Lakers, however, can offer Howard $30 million more, as well as greater marketing opportunities in Los Angeles.
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