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Dwight Howard Choo-Choo-Chooses Houston? [Updated]
Photo by =Manny= via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
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For the first time in Lakers history, a free agent has opted to take less money to leave the team. Or did he?
According to USA Today's Sam Amick, Dwight Howard has chosen to sign with the Houston Rockets. When the league lifts the moratorium on business on July 10, Howard is expected to sign a four-year deal worth in excess of $87 million. Had he stayed with the Lakers, he could have received a five-year, $115 million.
Including the Lakers and the Rockets, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors were also in the running for Howard's services.
But not so fast!!!!
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Fegan to Yahoo! Sports: "He hopes to finalize his decision tonight or tomorrow morning."
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 5, 2013
Fegan refers to Dan Fegan who is Howard's agent.
So in a matter of five minutes we had a Dwight Howard decision to indecision just like that.
Updated 3:35 p.m.: According to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, Howard is working out the details of a free agent contract with the Houston Rockets.
Y! Sports: Dwight Howard is leaving Los Angeles, finalizing a free agent deal with the Houston Rockets. http://t.co/hcQ6mzYp3Z
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 5, 2013
Updated 7:04 p.m.: Dwight Howard has taken an airplane to come to Los Angeles and talk to Lakers management. Apparently he has gone from playing in Houston to now hesitating in leaving money on the table.
Source: D12 has landed in LA & told Lakers it's 50-50 btwn them and the Rockets. He's having 2nd thoughts about leaving $30 mill on table
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 6, 2013
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At least LeBron James was decisive with his "Decision".
Updated 7:30 p.m.: The Lakers issued a statement from general manager Mitch Kupchak:
"We have been informed of Dwight's decision to not return to the Lakers. Naturally we're disappointed. However, we will now move forward in a different direction with the future of the franchise and, as always, will do our best to build the best team possible, one our great lakers fans will be proud to support. To Dwight, we thank him for his time and consideration, and for his efforts with us last season. We wish him the best of luck on the remainder of his NBA career."
The story should be over right now. I'm done. More thoughts on this tomorrow.
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