“LeGM made the decision” - Dwight Howard makes feelings known on Lakers trading D’Angelo Russell
Former LA Lakers champion Dwight Howard thinks he knows what went down behind the scenes in the D'Angelo Russell trade on Sunday. Many likely saw the trade coming as LA was actively involved in trade rumors with Russell seen as the likely asset to be sent away.
According to Howard, this decision was not on Rob Pelinka or any other front office member. Instead, he believes that four-time NBA MVP LeBron James ultimately decided that Russell was to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets.
Howard shared his thoughts during a live session which was then screen-captured and reposted on X on Monday.
"D'lo went to the Nets, he went back to the Nets," Howard said. "What's going on NBA? What's going on Lakers? 'LeGM' made the decision. 'LeGM' said 'that's enough D'Lo.'"
After his comments, Howard found out that Russell and Max Lewis were traded for Dorian Finney-Smith which seemed to have caught him by surprise.
The trade between the Lakers and the Nets involved more than just Russell and Finney-Smith. The deal sent Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks along with Russell to Brooklyn, while the Lakers also received Shake Milton.
Dwight Howard is still eyeing an NBA comeback with the Lakers as a preferred destination
Dwight Howard last played in the NBA on April 8, 2022, as a member of the LA Lakers.
However, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year has maintained his desire to return to the NBA. Specifically, Howard seems to be excited at the idea of playing for the Lakers again.
In an interview with the New York Post in October, he said that he would "definitely go back" to LA.
Howard has had three different stints with the Lakers. The first time he donned the iconic Purple & Gold was in the 2012-13 season. LA brought Howard and Steve Nash to team up with Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant and Metta Sandiford-Artest, who was called Metta World-Peace then.
Despite its star-studded squad, the team dealt with injuries and coaching changes that affected its record. The Lakers finished 45-37 and were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the opening round.
Howard's next stint with LA ended with more success than his first one. He signed a contract with the team for the 2019-20 season and the Lakers went on to win the finals which was held in the NBA Bubble in Orlando.
Howard signed with the Philadelphia 76ers after that season. However, he was back with LA in 2021-22.