Los Angeles Lakers News: Bryant And Howard Talk In Detail About Relationship As Former Teammates
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant and Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard seem to be in good terms, as the two met up once again on Saturday during their game in Houston.
Howard played for the Lakers in 2012-2013, before leaving the team in free agency. He eventually signed with the Rockets in the summer of 2013. In a recent report by Calvin Watkins of ESPN, Howard and Bryant became more physical with each other during last season's season opener.
Bryant was reportedly elbowed twice in the face by Howard during the said game, in which Bryant reacted to by challenging Howard to a fight and calling him "soft".
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The rift between both men seemed to have died down over the years. It all seemingly improved further this season, which also marks "The Black Mamba's" 20th and final playing year.
On Saturday, the Lakers played the Rockets at home but unfortunately lost with a score of 126-97, giving them an abysmal 3-21 win-loss record. Like in his last few games, Bryant received ovations from opposing teams and home crowds in honor of the accomplishments he has made throughout his career.
Howard, of course, had something to say about his former teammate.
"He is one of the greatest players to ever play the game," Howard said in a report by Lakers Nation. "He is just getting recognized for his accomplishments on the floor."
"All of us want to have that kind of reception when we're about to finish our careers," he added, according to the report.
For his part, despite the differences he has had with Howard, Bryant says the level of respect remains the same and those forgettable instances were nothing personal.
"As a leader, that's your job and that's your responsibility. It's nothing personal," Bryant said. "You just try to get the best out of him even if they don't find the humor in that at the time."
