Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash admitted on Wednesday that Dwight Howard never wanted to be a Laker, and he revealed that the All-Star center voiced frustrations during their pitch meeting. While the Los Angeles Lakers' offseason strategy to compete next season is becoming obvious, Kobe Bryant seemingly announced it on Twitter.
"Ultimately, I think Dwight wasn't comfortable here and didn't want to be here and I think if he didn't want to be here, there's no point for anyone in him being here," Nash told ESPN radio on Tuesday. "So, we wish him the best and move on."
Nash, along with Bryant and coach Mike D'Antoni, pitched Howard to stay in Los Angeles. Amidst rumors of Howard's dislike for both Bryant and D'Antoni, it became uncertain what chance the Lakers had in re-signing the 27-year-old center. Although Nash declined to reveal the specifics of their meeting, he did admit that Howard voiced frustrations.
"Dwight had some issues with the season," Nash said. "I think it kind of basically goes with what he said to the media that he never quite felt embraced in L.A. He never quite felt supported.
"That's basically it. I think in some ways you can read into that what you will, but I think he never quite felt comfortable at home and I don't know if that's anybody's fault," he said.
According to reports, Howard's biggest gripe with Los Angeles was playing in D'Antoni's system. Howard didn't believe the system, which favored pick-and-rolls over post play, made the best use of his skill set.
The Howard Experiment failed. Now, instead of signing big-name talent again, the Lakers appear to have a new strategy.
"Familiar faces Familiar places? Chemistry is always the most important thing on any team in any sport of business," Bryant posted to Twitter on Wednesday.
Chemistry does appear to be the strategy for next season as Los Angeles reassembles parts of its former championship squads.
The Lakers on Tuesday signed former Laker Jordan Farmar to a one-year deal worth around $1 million, according to ESPN. Farmar certainly had chemistry with the team - he won two titles with the Lakers in 2009-10.
The Lakers are also "very close" to bringing back Lamar Odom, according to US Weekly. Odom was also part of the Lakers' last two championships, and his pivotal role as the team's sixth man netted him the NBA honor in 2011.
With Howard now gone, longtime Laker Pau Gasol is reportedly safe from amnesty and trade. The 7-footer will return to center, the position he played in 2009 when he helped the Lakers win the NBA Finals.
Losing Howard dealt a tremendous blow to the Lakers, at least on paper, but Bryant is confident the team can contend for a title with a few more roster tweaks.
"Personally I'd keep Metta and make a run with the unit we have and just add a few pieces," Bryant tweeted on Monday.
That appears to be exactly what the Lakers are doing.
