Dwight Howard says he didn’t leave the Lakers because of Kobe Bryant
Dwight Howard did not leave the Lakers because of Kobe Bryant, at least that’s what he told the Houston Chronicle on Tuesday.
“I didn’t leave L.A. because I was afraid of Kobe Bryant,” said Howard to the Chronicle. “I went to a good situation for myself. I can’t change people’s opinions, but I did what I had to do for myself.”
The Lakers acquired Howard before the 2012-13 season. The team finished the season with a 45-37 record, but Bryant tore his Achilles’ tendon before the playoffs.
Howard spurned the Lakers’ recruiting efforts as a free agent, choosing instead to join the Rockets.
A recent ESPN.com article slammed Bryant, contending he was scaring away free agents, including Howard, although the center’s comments suggest otherwise.
The two franchises open the 2014-15 season Tuesday night at Staples Center.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
All things Lakers, all the time.
Get all the Lakers news you need in Dan Woike's weekly newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
