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08:08 AM ET 08.10 | The quick work of overhauling the Lakers now has them an odds-on favorite to win the NBA title, but what are the odds they keep Dwight Howard? One source briefed on Howard's plans told [ESPN] the All-Star center will indeed stand firm on his intent to play out the 2012-13 season without extending his contract so he can become a free agent on July 1, 2013. Going that route will enable Howard to decide how comfortable he is in Los Angeles before deciding whether to re-sign with the Lakers or join the Dallas Mavericks, who will have the requisite salary-cap space to sign Howard and remain one of his preferred destinations from his original list of three teams (Brooklyn Nets, Lakers and Mavericks).

Mark Cuban, Getty Images

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August 10, 2012 08:19 AM ET

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Once Dwight gets Ring Number 1, no way he's leaving the Lakers!
Winning fixes everything. Besides, Kobe will probably retire when his contract ends (2014). So the Team is his for the forseeable future.

Go Lakers!

McHoopster

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August 10, 2012 08:26 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:19 AM ET 08.10 by McHoopster

Once Dwight gets Ring Number 1, no way he's leaving the Lakers!Winning fixes everything. Besides, Kobe will probably retire when his contract ends (2014). So the Team is his for the forseeable future.Go Lakers!

and then Howard is gonna start crying again, because Nash Kobe and Pau all retired by then LOL

JIGSAW

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August 10, 2012 08:34 AM ET

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Just get us that Ring next season Dwight. We're willing to carry all your 'baggage' after that.

McHoopster

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August 10, 2012 08:48 AM ET

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Dallas in Howard's sights for 2013?...

And who can blame him? He wants to join DWill in much coveted Dallas....

Oh wait!

Eli...

Chicagoland, .

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August 10, 2012 08:52 AM ET

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Dallas should just let that dream go. It ain't happening!

Klockwork33

Chicago , IL

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August 10, 2012 08:58 AM ET

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It's a done deal, Howard would not leave the Lakers, the city will do everything possible to keep Howard there. Once he puts on that uniform he will not take it off until retirement. Believe me, Howard does not know what he's in for!

mdelaneyd45

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August 10, 2012 09:30 AM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:24 AM ET 08.10 by jgb

really?We need a Dwight to team_______ literally 5 minutes after he was just traded?

They were actually written at the same time...they just had to delay the posting times a few mins to fool us

DR_Universal

Charlotte , NC

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August 10, 2012 09:31 AM ET

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QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 09:22 AM ET 08.10 by MMAFan

...Once Dwight starts aborbing that LA atmosphere he's never going to want to leave. I think he is a Laker for life.

I think so too...

Otis B. Driftwood

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August 10, 2012 09:31 AM ET

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QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 09:22 AM ET 08.10 by MMAFan

+1Once Dwight starts aborbing that LA atmosphere he's never going to want to leave. I think he is a Laker for life.

So...where do ur allegiances lie now mr MMA? I noticed the change in avi

DR_Universal

Charlotte , NC

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August 10, 2012 09:44 AM ET

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Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch, Bro.

I Love LA

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August 10, 2012 10:21 AM ET

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QUOTE(#17):

Originally posted 10:07 AM ET 08.10 by MMAFan

I'm a Dwight Howard fan. I'm cool to the Magic again until they do stuff to win me back. I had given up on them entirely until they drafted Dwight.I'll still follow them but until they show they are doing things the right way finally I won't get too engaged with them any more. I was a season ticket holder their first 10 years but too many stupid moves turned me off over the years.

Totally reasonable explanation...at least the Magic have had a couple of dominant superstar-type players in their relatively short existence. I wonder how Jameer feels about that contract he just signed?