The Los Angeles Lakers had hoped to retain Dwight Howard when NBA free agency had begun. That no longer appears to be on the table as he is headed to the Philadelphia 76ers, even though it initially looked as though he was going to be returning to the defending NBA champions.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Howard has agreed to a one-year deal with the 76ers— after previously expressing strong interest to return to the Lakers. It was later reported his motivation for signing with Philadelphia was for an increase in playing time.

The situation with Howard leaving the Lakers is only strange when considering he tweeted how he was returning to the team…but quickly deleted it. Otherwise, simply departing to the 76ers would have not been given a second thought.

Now, Howard appears set to receive the primary backup center role behind Joel Embiid for the 76ers. This was originally thought of as being a potential landing spot for Nerlens Noel by some NBA insiders, but that no longer appears to be the case.

RELATED: Lakers looking to re-sign both Dwight Howard, Markieff Morris

In terms of replacement options, the Lakers appear to be eyeing Marc Gasol— who was previously contemplating ending his professional basketball career in Europe. Managing to land a stretch-five like Gasol would go a long way for Los Angeles to fill the void left by Howard.

The connection Dwight Howard has with Daryl Morey appears to have been a factor in his decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. Oddly enough, his tenure with the Houston Rockets didn’t appear to end on the highest of notes possible.

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