Dwight Howard is allegedly taking his talents to Texas and joining the Houston Rockets, a source told USA Today.

Recent reports revealed the big man was leaning towards joining the Rockets, despite his former team, the Lakers, being able to offer Howard $30 million more than any other suitor. Houston was amongst five major contenders in the running to sign the 27-year-old, including Dallas, Golden State, Atlanta and Los Angeles. The Warriors took themselves out of contention earlier today when they used up their salary cap room, initially intended for Howard, to sign swing man Andre Iguodala to a four-year, $48 million contract.

If Howard does in fact walk, the Lakers will be the biggest loser in free agency thus far. They would have allowed one of the best players in the league to leave their team without getting anything in return.

At the trade deadline last season, many pundits implored LA to move their valued center to another team. Even back then, there were rampant rumors about Howard being unhappy with the struggling team and many believed he would eventually join another franchise during free agency at the end of the season. The Lakers limped into the playoffs but Howard never seemed comfortable in the team's system and he often bump heads with the franchise's superstar and leader Kobe Bryant.

With an aging roster and Kobe Bryant sidelined with a severe achilles injury, rumors heightened about Howard's interest to play with a younger team that was built for multiple years of championship contention. Still, the Lakers stayed firm with their decision to keep Howard, believing the three-time Defensive Player of the Year would re-sign with their storied franchise--a team that players are usually eager to play for.

Once the envy of the league, Los Angeles in now marred in uncertainty.

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