Kobe OK With Lakers Trading Dwight Howard?

As we documented yesterday, Kobe Bryant was indifferent when asked during All-Star weekend about Dwight Howard's future, telling reporters: "I don't know what [the Lakers' front office is] going to do. At this point, it doesn't matter." While the response could have interpreted as Kobe blowing off a question he didn't want to discuss, Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio suggests that Bryant's answer may have been sincere.

According to Amico, it doesn't matter to Bryant whether Howard is a part of the team's "attempted revival" in the second half. While general manager Mitch Kupchak has insisted privately and publicly that he won't trade Howard, he'd have Kobe's "full support" if he changed his mind, says Amico, who adds that Bryant, Steve Nash, and Pau Gasol all have some level of uncertainty about Howard's level of commitment.

Despite his public stance about not moving Howard, Kupchak has at least fielded a few trade inquiries, according to Amico. However, he has quickly rejected any pitches for his All-Star center. I'd be shocked if anything happened with D12 this week, but with his free agency coming up this summer, it'll be worth keeping an eye on the situation in Los Angeles. Amico writes that Howard hasn't made a decision about his free agent destination yet, and will wait to see how this season plays out.

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