Howard Receiving Pitches From Kobe, Nash, And Jack Nicholson To Stay In LA
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — All-Star free agent Dwight Howard has begun meeting with potential suitor teams, and may announce a decision on his future within the week.
Howard met with representatives of the Houston Rockets on Sunday night in Los Angeles. The group included general manager Daryl Morey, coach Kevin McHale, current forwards Chandler Parsons and James Harden, and NBA Hall of Famers Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon.
The main focus, as far as Howard was concerned, was how the Rockets planned to include a third max-contract offer to a third all-star to go along with himself and Harden, according to the Houston Chronicle.
The Rockets reportedly cleared nearly $20 million in order to go after Howard with a max-contract.
Ken Berger of CBSSPorts.com reported on Sunday that Houston has looked into possible deals for Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin, which may cleear enough space for a second max-contract.
Among the other teams Howard has met or will meet with include the Los Angeles Lakers, where Howard spent 2012-13.
In addition to Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak, who reportedly snuck in a quick face-to-face with Howard as free agency officially kicked off at 9:01 p.m. pacific time on Sunday, Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash will be a part of the pitch to keep Dwight Howard in Los Angeles.
Even acting legend and longtime Lakers fan Jack Nicholson made a personal phone call to plea that Howard stay with the Lakers.
Howard is also scheduled to meet with the Golden State Warriors, the Dallas Mavericks, and his hometown Atlanta Hawks before the Lakers get the final word on Tuesday.
Players can officially sign on July 10.
