Dwight Howard Says Kobe Scores Too Much; Past, Present Lakers Bash His Move to Rockets
Dwight Howard opened up about his decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers for the Houston Rockets, saying that Kobe Bryant in particular made it difficult to enjoy his time there. Lakers both past and present have come out against the star center, pointing to his injuries and attitude as the reason for the sub-par season.
Dwight Howard said his main problem with Kobe was that they disagreed when and how to score- Kobe is notorious for coaching players while on the court, pointing out their mistakes.
"Was it tough playing with Kobe? Yeah, it was very tough," he told ESPN in a televised interview. "Me and Kobe, we had our disagreements, we had our moments. Everybody knows Kobe likes to score, and there were times we would get at it getting the ball. And that happens on a team."
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However, he said that Kobe's controlling style wasn't the motivator for him leaving for the Rockets. Money apparently wasn't an issue either- the Rockets gave him $88 million for four years, while the Lakers could have given him $118 million for the same stint.
"Playing along with Kobe didn't have any parts of my decision going to Houston. I just felt like Houston was a better situation for me and my career," he said. He also mentioned to the Associated Press that he wanted the "opportunity to write [his] own story"- Howard was traded to Los Angeles from the Orlando Magic against his will.
Still, many Lakers players criticized his decision, starting with Kobe himself, who unfollowed the center on Twitter after his decision was made.
"I wish d12 the best honestly. I just find it hard to follow players that wanna kick my teams a-- #thatsjustme," he posted.
Steve Nash, who recently joined the Lakers as well, said Howard "never quite felt embraced in LA," also pointing out that his shoulder and back issues prevented him from playing his best game.
Phil Jackson, former coach for the Lakers, agreed with Nash's assessment.
"What DH brings to the game is power and D. This past year didn't show it due to rehab and confusion. If he is better [off] an Astro, so be it," he tweeted.
While some analyzed the reason Howard left, others were far more aggressive in their commentary. Legendary center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said that Howard's "potential has a shelf life," and Shaquille O'Neal said the young center couldn't "handle the bright lights."
"When you get [to Los Angeles], there are certain pressures," he said while speaking at Daytona International Speedway. "I think it was a safe move for him to go to little town like Houston. That's right, little town. I said it."
Howard was given a warm welcome to the Rockets Saturday, with Yao Ming, Hakeem Olajuwon, owner Leslie Alexander and coach Kevin McHale there to welcome him. "Rocket Man" is his new adopted nickname.
