[Mike1989]

The Lakers should start as favourites to retain him because he can be a future cornerstone for the team when the likes of Nash and Kobe have retired. However, I think he'll want a max contract, as well as being the star attraction at his next team (something he's not been in LA). With that in mind I think he might consider one of the following:

- Dallas Mavericks: on the one hand he'll get his max contract and his star attraction status, and on the other, he'll get to team with Dirk and that could be a formidable double act. Cuban might see a Howard-Dirk combination as a good option for the Mavericks to make another push for an NBA title before Dirk eventually retires.

- Boston Celtics: this one would make a lot of sense if the Celtics decide to dismantle the remnants of their old big three. Ray Allen has already gone, and if they do decide to get rid of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, then they'll need another cornerstone to partner Rajon Rondo, and a Howard-Rondo pairing would could potentially be scary.

A long shot might be the Atlanta Hawks, he was born and raised there, and played his basketball there. But not sure how he'd fit into their long term plans because I haven't followed them too closely.

[CTMagicUK]

Houston is the smart choice for Dwight, he and Harden could dominate (not sure what the Rockets would do with Asik though...) but I have a feeling he'd rather play for Dallas; Dirk only has a couple more years and then Dwight can be the center of attention again just like he wants.

[Mike1989]

CTMagicUK, on 22 February 2013 - 04:32 PM, said:

Houston is the smart choice for Dwight, he and Harden could dominate (not sure what the Rockets would do with Asik though...) but I have a feeling he'd rather play for Dallas; Dirk only has a couple more years and then Dwight can be the center of attention again just like he wants.

Harden-Howard combination would be a hell of a combination, and would certainly help them become a legitimate contender. But like you I think he would like to be the star attraction again, though he'd have a better chance of a ring with Houston.

[Soul Bro]

Yeah, it should be interesting. I don't know if he can carry/handle the attention and pressure in LA. If LA doesn't make the playoffs this year, I can't imagine he'll stay.