Do you remember when Dwight Howard joined the LA Lakers and the talk around the NBA was that the Miami Heat finally had a legit threat to their championship? Well, things are not going so well in LA these days. Superstars Kobe Bryant, a no nonsense guy, and Dwight Howard, a comedian in another life, just can’t get along. Nor is there any indication that things are going to get better anytime soon. A league source told the NY Daily News that the Lakers stars got into a heated argument following a New Year’s Day loss to the 76ers and Bryant went for a low blow — referencing and agreeing with Shaquille O’Neal’s criticism of Howard being soft. I happen to agree with that sentiment.
Howard was restrained from going at Bryant, according to the source, and there have been rumblings from the center’s camp that he’s been unhappy with Bryant since earlier in the season. Well so much for a much anticipated Heat-Lakers showdown in June. Three days after the altercation, following a disappointing loss to the Clippers, Howard complained about the lack of chemistry on the Lakers. It was a comment seemingly directed at Bryant, who is averaging a league-high 22 shots despite playing with three potential Hall of Famers. The Mike D’Antoni-coached Lakers fell to 15-18 after losing at home to the Denver Nuggets, 112-105, this past Sunday night despite Howard’s 26 rebounds. Bryant led LA with 29 points but took 26 shots. That is not sharing the basketball and despite the return of guard Steve Nash the Lakers are struggling mightily and there are real concerns of them even making the playoffs. Something needs to change as D’Antoni teams have never been known for their stellar defense. Until the Lakers man up and defend better things are not likely to improve in the City of Angels. If things continue there may be a big showdown — but the teams on the floor will be the Heat and the high-flying Clippers — not the constantly bickering Lakers.
The Sports Brothers, Jeff Fox & Ed Freeman, can be heard daily on WMEN 640 Sports.
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