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Dwight Howard on tweet: Lakers never offered me a contract, but I thought they did

Former Lakers center Dwight Howard

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 11: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during Game Six of the NBA Finals on October 11, 2020 at the AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

NBAE via Getty Images

Dwight Howard tweeted that he’d re-sign with the Lakers: “I’m staying right where I belong. Laker nation I love y’all. Purple and gold never gets old.”

Then, he deleted the tweet and signed with the 76ers.

Howard, via Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire:

“I was never offered a deal from the Lakers,” Howard explained.
“At one point I did, so that’s when you saw the infamous tweet,” said Howard with a smile. “I really thought I was going back, but there was no offer. I understand it’s a business, the Lakers did what they felt was in their best interest and I’m just very thankful for them giving me the opportunity to come back to LA and have the opportunity of winning a championship.”

What a communication breakdown. Either side, or both, could deserve blame. Did the Lakers mislead Howard? Did he make a misguided assumption?

At one point, this would have been viewed as yet another example of Rob Pelinka’s deceptiveness. But the Lakers general manager just won a championship then oversaw a highly praised offseason.

So – fairly or not – Pelinka gets a pass, and this becomes more evidence of Howard being a goofball.