Howard Leaves Lakers: Houston 'the Best Place for Me'

Former Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard confirmed on Twitter on Friday night that he will indeed be signing with the Houston Rockets: 

I’ve decided to become a member of the Houston Rockets. I feel its the best place for me and I am excited about joining the Rockets and I’m looking forward to a great season. I want to thank the fans in Los Angeles and wish them the best.”

In what was a topsy-turvy day, a USA Today report initially said Howard had decided to go to Houston. ESPN then reported Howard was reconsidering his initial decision. Finally, Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak released a statement indicating the Lakers had been informed of Howard’s decision not to return before Howard ultimately tweeted his decision. 

In addition to the Rockets and the Lakers, the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and the Atlanta Hawks courted Howard in the offseason.