Josh Smith Says Dwight Howard Won’t Leave Lakers

USA TODAY Sports It’s always been questioned if Dwight Howard will return to the Los Angeles Lakers once this season is over, or if he will leave and sign elsewhere with a team such as the Brooklyn Nets or Los Angeles Clippers. According to his best friend and current Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith, he doesn’t believe Howard will pull off such a move. In fact, he would be “shocked” if Howard ended up leaving the purple-and-gold. “I can’t pick his brain and be in his head but to me, I don’t see him going anywhere,” Smith told the Los Angeles Daily News. “It would be a shock to me.” Smith gave his reason to why he doesn’t think Howard would leave the Lakers. “Dwight is a loyal athlete and loyal person,” he said. “He’s not a quitter and doesn’t run from situations. That’s why I believe with this franchise and the way he’s talked so well about it, I can’t see him going anywhere.” Howard has been very quiet about his future with the franchise, but he does have his advantages if he were to sign with Los Angeles. He would be able to sign to a five-year deal worth about $118 million, which is better than the max he can get with any other team, which is four years for about $88 million. With the Lakers heating up at the right time and are in grasp of grabbing the eighth seed for the playoffs, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Howard ends up staying, as the team shows they can have a bright future for next season. The post Josh Smith Says Dwight Howard Won’t Leave Lakers appeared first on FootBasket.