The Los Angeles Lakers are doing everything they can to make sure they are not out of the running to re-sign Dwight Howard in free agency. The team gave a very large sales pitch to Howard that included billboards throughout Hollywood, television deals with Time Warner and All-Star packed meeting with the team's biggest stars. Before Howard left California to contemplate his free agency decision, a few of the Lakers' players got in individual meetings with the center to sell him one last time.
Nash first began wooing Howard with a tweet that read, "Dwight Howard we're coming for you. You're going to love the statue we build for you outside the Staples Center in 20yrs!" Overall, Nash thought his sit down with Howard was very productive. The two talked about building off last season and how the team can grow for the future.
"I thought it was a very productive meeting," Nash said to ESPN.com. "We talked about last yeat and how it can be built on. I think a lot of the excitement of last year has yet to be finished. If we get him back, regroup, retool and make it happen."
Howard's concern with the Lakers could be centered on what the team will look like moving forward. Bryant will be returning from a torn Achilles. Nash is not exactly young anymore. Howard wants to win a championship. Bryant is in full belief the team will contend for a championship and told that to Howard in a meeting the two had as well. Bryant recently spoke with Lakers.com and promised at least another three years of playing, something that could sway Howard's decision.
The Lakers have an upper hand in the Howard race, the contract size. Los Angeles is the only team that can offer Howard a five-year, $118 million contract. Others in pursuit including the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks can only offer a four-year deal worth $88 million. If money is playing the largest factor in Howard's decision, he stays with the Lakers.
Howard has voiced his displeasure in the Lakers' coaching staff. Mike D'Antoni was present in the team's sales pitch to Howard and general manager Mitch Kupchak has given the head coach a vote of confidence saying he is not going anywhere. Personnel wise, the Lakers still have the pieces in place to contend for a championship when healthy and meshing together.
Howard has officially left California. His decision will be made on Jul 10 with multiple teams sitting on the edge of their seat waiting to hear.
