Kobe Bryant has joined Steve Nash and a few other Los Angeles Lakers players by making a public plea for Dwight Howard to re-sign with the team.
Yesterday, we reported that Nash expressed his desire for Howard to return to the team next season and according to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times, Bryant has followed suit.
“I think Los Angeles is the perfect spot for him to assert himself, kind of put his foot down and have his career really take off and be what it should be. There’s no greater place for centers to play than here in Los Angeles,” he said.
“From a business standpoint it makes more sense, both contractually and also perception-wise,” Bryant said. “A lot of things go well for you if you win here.”
Bryant also wants the Lakers management to allow the team to make another run at the championship, despite the dire luxury tax implications which will see the team go from paying the $30 million they’re paying this year, to $85 million if they again have a $100 million payroll.
“I understand the cap situation, so that’s always a concern, but all I can do is just voice my opinion…. Obviously, I’m not the one that has to cut the check,” Bryant said. “To me, it’s a no-brainer. We need him to get to where we need to go.”
Howard has the support of the two most important Lakers and the front office definitely wants him back even though he didn’t have the best season on and off the court, all that’s left now is for Mike D’Antoni to come out and pledge his allegiance to the cause.