In the wake of Dwight Howard's decision to sign with the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers players - current and former - have commented on the All-Star center's departure. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant are the latest, USA Today Sports reports.
Shaquille O'Neal became the first ex-Laker to call Howard out. Over the weekend, the original "Superman" said the 27-year-old couldn't handle the spotlight in Los Angeles. Six-time NBA champion Abdul-Jabbar became the next to jab Howard.
The former Lakers center wrote a Facebook post on Monday, saying: "Dwight Howard is the perfect example of the fact that 'potential has a shelf life.' Laker fans should be patient and allow Mitch & company to prepare themselves to do some serious work in the free agent market."
Letting Howard walk frees up a huge chunk of salary cap space. While this season may not be any better than last, the organization at least has the opportunity to get its finances in order and make a push for next summer's free agents. The 2014 class of free agents could net the Lakers its next franchise player - LeBron James is expected to opt out of his contact and Carmelo Anthony could choose not to sign again with the Knicks.
Bryant, whose contract expires next season, plans to play for at least two more years. The future Hall of Famer could choose to sign a short-term, veteran's minimum contract with the Lakers in the pursuit of his sixth championship.
Bryant, who's recovering from Achilles surgery, took time from his rehab on Friday to "unfollow" Howard on Twitter.
He explained the snub on Monday.