NBA Approves Dwight Howard To Lakers; Nets-Magic Saga Over
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The Dwightmare in Orlando is finally over.
Dwight Howard became the newest member of the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday when a four-team trade also involving Denver and Philadelphia was approved by the NBA.
So in the end, after two years of rumors, speculation and negotiations, the Nets failed to land the big man.
Howard had asked for a trade to Brooklyn, but Orlando failed to work out a deal with the Nets, opening the way for the Lakers to get the All-Star center. Brooklyn's package was reportedly built around center Brook Lopez, who ultimately signed a four-year, $61 million to stay with the franchise.
Brooklyn "held out hope they could re-engage" Orlando in January, when Lopez would be eligible for a trade, the New York Daily News reported.
Philadelphia will get All-Star center Andrew Bynum from Los Angeles and Jason Richardson from Orlando, while Denver will acquire 76ers All-Star Andre Iguodala, playing for the U.S. men's basketball team Friday in the Olympics semifinals against Argentina.
Orlando will receive Arron Afflalo and Al Harrington from Denver and Nikola Vucevic and Moe Harkless from Philadelphia. Orlando will also get a future first-round pick from Philadelphia, a 2014 first-round pick from Denver and a 2017 first-round pick from the Lakers.
Howard averaged 20.6 points and 14.5 rebounds in 54 regular-season games for Orlando last season. In eight seasons with the Magic, he averaged 18.4 points and 13.0 rebounds.
Who won and who lost in the Howard deal? Be heard in the comments below!
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