Dwight Howard says he didn’t leave the Lakers because of Kobe Bryant
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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.
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