NBA Rumors: Kobe Bryant Confronts Dwight Howard During Team Meeting

By Kaylyn Neely
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

During a Los Angeles Lakers team meeting that probably won’t make the final cut of Backstage Lakers, Kobe Bryant reportedly confronted Dwight Howard. This is after Howard told reporters to “look at the stat sheet” after the Lakers played the Chicago Bulls to let everybody know he is displeased about his offensive role. Howard had only five shots against the Bulls.

In addition, Kevin Ding from the Orange County Register reports that Howard “mocked Bryant’s shooting stats behind his back when he hasn’t shot well, leaving Lakers teammates feeling awfully uncomfortable.”

These are just a few reports of the many issues between various players within the Lakers organization.

The Los Angeles Times reports that on Wednesday morning, before a team shoot around, the team held a meeting where “guys went at each other a little bit.” Mike D’Antoni told the team that he was sick of hearing reports that players are publicly questioning and criticizing his coaching system. After D’Antoni spoke his part, players had a chance to speak. Steve Nash and Bryant both addressed the team.

Bryant reportedly recognized that he can be a difficult teammate.

Then, Bryant asked Howard if him being “hard to play with” has been bothering Howard. The LA Times reports that, “Howard’s answer was unclear, though he did not engage Bryant in nearly as vocal a manner as Bryant engaged him.”

“He didn’t go back at Kobe,” according to a witness.

Howard spoke with reporters after the meeting and apologized for past comments, calling them “immature.”

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