Lakers Letting it be Known They Want Howard to Stay
Published at
NBA Via Los Angeles Lakers (LOS ANGELES) — The Los Angeles Lakers want center Dwight Howard to be a part of their future and they’re letting all of Los Angeles know. The Lakers placed a huge banner on the side of the Staples Center Wednesday that has a picture of Howard and states: “Stay. #stayD12.'”
The Lakers also placed a billboard on Hollywood Boulevard with the same message.
Lakers’ team spokesman John Black told ESPN.com that in total there will be either six or seven billboards throughout the Los Angeles area, with the intention of enticing Howard to sign a max contract with the Lakers.
Howard, who had a rough first season with the Lake Show, will become a free agent July 1.
After that other teams will be in the mix to sign the 6-foot-11, 265 pound Howard.
Still, when it comes to monetary issues, the Lakers have a step up on the competition. Los Angeles can offer Howard up to $118 million for five years while all other teams can offer no more than $88 million for four years.
The Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets are all expected to make an effort to sign Howard.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio