Howard hints at long stint with Lakers

SAN FRANCISCO -- When Dwight Howard was traded from Orlando to Los Angeles early last month, Lakers fans wondered whether their team had just snared a long-terrm asset or merely acquired a one-year rental.

But after a meeting with Hall-of-Famer and legendary Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar this past Monday, September 3, Howard went on Twitter hinting that he would stick around the purple-and-gold franchise beyond the 2012-13 season.

"Me and kaj33 together. For many years to come," Howard said in a tweet. "Just sat down with kaj33. Man, God is so good. Was in tears. What a blessing. This is like a dream come true. Go Lakers," Howard added.

In July 2007, Howard signed a five-year, $80 million contract extension with the Orlando Magic. He becomes an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2013, fueling speculation that he might still end up elsewhere when he reaches that crossroad.

Howard's final year of his deal will make him $19 million richer and he is eligible to an even richer, six-year maximum contract in 2013.

But for now, it seems, Howard is happy to be a Laker.

The 6-foot-11, 265-pound Howard is generally regarded as the best center in the NBA today. He averaged 20.6 points, 14.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game last season with the Orlando Magic.

Howard, 26, underwent surgery to repair a herniated disk and remove disk fragments on April 20 in Marina del Rey, California. But he is expected to be back in time to help the Lakers with their annual NBA title hunt. (Joan Secuya-Medida).