The Los Angeles Lakers have failed to live up to such high early season expectations but have come around at the right time as they're now in a position to steal the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The Lakers started the season off poorly and it became evident that their two stars Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant weren't seeing eye-to-eye on the basketball court. At times often looking as if both superstars were waiting for the other to charge of coach Mike A'Antoni's system.

However, it appears that Howard and Bryant have patched whatever issues they had in order to develop some type of chemistry, and that is evident by the way the Lakers have been playing so far.

Howard spoke to 790 The Ticket with Dan LeBatard, Stugotz and Stan Van Gundy and he talked about his current relationship with Bryant.

"We're not best friends but I would say that we understand where we're at. We're pretty much on the same page as far as what it's going to take for us to get to the next level and for us to win. I have to bring that energy and effort every night and because I'm in better shape, I'm able to do that for longer periods."

With the team in the eighth spot in the playoff picture, Howard is finally beginning to look like the reason why the Lakers brought him on board. And with Bryant expected to return Friday from injury, the Lakers chances to make a decent post season run only increases.

Related Articles:

Los Angeles Lakers News: Kobe Bryant And Pau Gasol To Play In Fridays Game Against the Wizards

Denver Nuggets Win Over The Sixers Increases Winning Streak To 14