Blake Griffin To Lakers Trade Rumor All Comes Down To Dwight Howard

Blake Griffin could be headed to the Los Angeles Lakers in what would be a blockbuster deal that all hinges on Dwight Howard.

The Clippers are reportedly interested in trading for Howard, giving up Blake Griffin and guard Eric Bledsoe. But there seems to be disagreement from sources on how serious the teams are and whether Dwight Howard would sign off.

The deal would likely be a sign-and-trade for Howard, meaning the Lakers would be able to reach a contract deal that’s ot more attractive than what other suitors can offer. Both the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks are reportedly interested in Howard and have devised schemes to dump payroll in order to acquire him.

Despite a strong roster that included Griffin and Paul and a team that had a 17-game winning streak, the Clippers fizzled in the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Memphis Grizzlies. With a season that wasted their first ever Pacific Division crown, the Clippers could be looking to shift some pieces.

There is also questions of whether the Blake Griffin to Lakers trade would make sense for Los Angeles. They would be giving up quite a bit on the defensive end by losing Howard and would be letting him go to one of their Pacific Division rivals.

The trade would also depend on whether the Clippers swing what would be a mega deal with the Boston Celtics. The Clippers are interested in acquiring Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and coach Doc Rivers, but the Celtics reportedly want Bledsoe in return. The Clippers seemed inclined to keep Bledsoe first as an insurance policy until Chris Paul signs a long-term deal but also as future trade bait himself. If the Celtics deal goes through, that may be the end of the Blake Griffin trade as well.

If Blake Griffin did go to the Lakers, it could be monumental for both teams. The Clippers would have a potent combination in Chris Paul and Dwight Howard while Kobe Bryant would have another piece for the late-career championship he covets.