When the Orlando Magic traded Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers a few years ago, many thought this team was destined for the NBA Finals.
With Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash in the backcourt going along with Metta World Peace, Pau Gasol and Howard in the frontcourt, this looked like a squad that could contend with the likes of the Miami Heat in the league.
That didn't happen, of course. Howard struggled and battled with injuries. The chemistry overall with this team was terrible. Head coach Mike Brown was fired during the season, and Mike D'Antoni didn't make it much better.
Bryant spoke with Grantland the other day, and talked about how things went with Dwight that season. Bryant was asked on if he would change anything with Howard during his time with the purple-and-gold.
"Zero. Absolutely zero. Nothing," he said, via CBS Sports.
“Listen, I learned how to be a leader by watching Magic (Johnson), (Larry) Bird, Michael (Jordan) and those guys. They’re relentless; they’re ruthless. For me to give the keys to this kingdom to the next dude that’s going to lead the Lakers organization for years to come, he has to have that same DNA. I can’t be apologetic.”
Bryant has made it clear before on how he feels about Dwight, so this doesn't come as much of a surprise.
