NBA: Dwight Howard and Chris Paul could shoot beyond the City of Angels

Dwight Howard of the Lakers and Chris Paul of the Clippers can each become free agents next month as their future in Los Angeles is up in the air, writes Steve Dilbeck.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ Dwight Howard, right, is considered the game’s best centre and the LA Clippers’ Chris Paul is its finest point guard but both can become free agents on July 1.
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Two charismatic superstars, on two different teams, in one city. They have taken similar paths, have the same opportunity and could not be viewed more differently.

The Los Angeles Lakers' Dwight Howard is considered the game's best centre, the LA Clippers' Chris Paul, its finest point guard.

Both can become free agents on July 1. Both have failed to make any commitment to their current team.

Howard gets plenty of flak for his indecision, though there is that history. He refused to sign an extension and forced his way out of small-market Orlando. He was credited with getting his coach fired. He was disappointing in his first season with the Lakers, who were bounced in the first round of the play-offs.

Yet almost all of that could also be said of Paul. Once the star of New Orleans Hornets, he revitalised the Clippers, who were knocked out in first round and whose coach was just fired. Same script, totally different reviews.

People have no idea what Howard will do or where he will go, and there is good reason for that.

"Never has a man with no knowledge of his own thinking produced so many sources who have knowledge of his thinking," wrote Sports Illustrated. It leaves Lakers fans nothing but frustrated.

Paul, meanwhile, is getting a free skate. People just assume he will do the smart thing and re-sign with the Clippers. More money, young, talented team, great market, plenty of influence.

Same situation, very different perceptions.

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