Dwight Howard Says Yes To Lakers!!! So Whats The Hold Up Now??

Dwight Howard has long coveted the Brooklyn Nets as his next landing spot, but after a summer filled with daily rumors of four-team trade proposals, the six-time All-Star has moved on from his Big Apple infatuation and is locked in on joining the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell RealGM.

The Lakers, Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly discussing a three-team trade that would send Howard to the Lakers, Andrew Bynum to the Cavaliers, while the Magic would receive Anderson Varejao and multiple draft picks.

Howard has always been impressed with the Lakers’ winning tradition and intrigued with the off-court opportunities that come with playing in Los Angeles.

Questions about Howard's role with the team, however, became an early concern for the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Howard has since moved on from those concerns and is confident he will be an integral part of a team that will have a chance to compete immediately for a championship, according to sources that spoke with RealGM.

The Lakers are reportedly ready to make the trade, but first need assurance from Howard that he will commit to the team long-term. Sources say Howard is “excited” about the opportunity to play for the Lakers and will re-sign with the team when his contract expires at the end of the 2012-13 season.

Van Gundy speaks out about Howard wanting him fired!

In the latest twist to the Dwight Howard saga, his relationship with Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy appears to have taken a major downturn and puts their ability to co-exist for the rest of this season in doubt. After a report on Wednesday from a local TV station said Howard had asked Magic management to fire Van Gundy, the coach said after Thursday’s morning shootaround that he knows that to be true.

“I know he has,” Van Gundy told reporters. “That’s just the way it is. Again, I’ve been dealing with that all year. It’s not anything real bothersome. You go out and do your job.” READ MORE 

Conflicts with trading Tebow!

After word spread rapidly Wednesday that the New York Jets had acquired quarterback Tim Tebow from Denver for draft picks, the teams have encountered a hang-up in the language in Tebow's contract that could nullify the trade, a Broncos source tells ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

In Tebow's contract is a $6.2 million salary advance, of which $1.2 million already has been paid by Denver, sources told Schefter. The difference of $5 million is still advanced against his future salary, and that burden would shift to the Jets in a trade. The Jets, sources said, believe the Broncos should owe Tebow that money. READ MORE

Pau Gasol calls out the Lakers and possibly Kobe?

After the Lakers embarrassing loss to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night the questions surrounding the Lakers are growing increasingly numerous.

One of the big issues in Washington was the shot selection of Kobe Bryant, and the fact that he missed more shots (22) than big men Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum combined to take (19). This prompted Lakers head coach Mike Brown to question Bryant’s shot selection, and now has Pau Gasol seemingly unhappy as well. READ MORE

Lakers clear the Air with Gasol... Sort of

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- It may not have been what Pau Gasol was hoping to hear. And it certainly wasn't the kind of blanket -- trade him now or don't trade him at all -- answer thatKobe Bryant had asked for. But after months of silence, worry and uncertainty, Gasol and Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak did indeed speak to clear the air about the Spaniard's future with the team.

Shortly after Bryant's very public demand for Lakers management to provide some clarity for the team, and specifically for Gasol, about its intentions at the trade deadline, Kupchak called Gasol and spoke to him at length about the situation. READ MORE

He loves So Cal's warm weather... hint hint

LOS ANGELES -- Deron Williams emerged from the training room looking tired and drawn. While reporters huddled around teammates Kris Humphries and Jordan Farmar, Williams sat quietly at his locker, holding his cell phone and stroking the bottom of his goatee. He was too upset to get dressed or soak his feet in the ice bucket in front of him, or to read through any of his texts.  READ MORE...