Report: Bryant, Howard involved in "heated exchange"
Lakers stars Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard reportedly got into a "heated exchange" after a home loss to the 76ers on New Year's Day, according to a Monday morning report in the New York Daily News.
Citing a league source, the report states that Howard had to be restrained after Bryant referenced Shaquille O'Neal's criticism of the big man as being soft.
The star-studded Lakers as a whole have failed to mesh properly, with the relationship between Kobe and Howard being the focus of much criticism. Howard has openly discussed the team's lack of chemistry recently, stating "We have to play like we like each other. Even if we don't want to be friends off the court, whatever that may be, when we step in between the lines or we step in the locker room or the gym, we have to respect each other and what we bring to the table."
The 27-year-old centre is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer after his first season in Los Angeles.
The Lakers are a disappointing 15-18 on the season and sit 11th in the Western Conference standings, three games back of the eighth and final playoff spot.
