The Lakers have reportedly made progress in laying down the ground work for a deal that would send three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Dwight Howard, to Los Angeles. However, before making such a deal the team wanted to rest assured that Howard would be willing to sign a long-term contract to keep the center with the Lakers.
Howard had previously said that the only team he'd re-sign with was the Brooklyn Nets, but he has apparently warmed up to the idea of playing in Los Angeles. Sources told RealGM that the six-time All-Star is "excited" about his opportunity to play with the Lakers and would re-sign with the team prior to reaching free agency after the 2012-13 season.
If the Lakers believe this is the case they will likely look to move forward with a three team trade between the Magic, Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers that would send Bynum to Cleveland, Howard to Los Angeles and Anderson Varejao along with multiple draft picks to Orlando.
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