Report: Lakers will not trade Howard

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak stated he would not trade centre Dwight Howard before Thursday's NBA trade deadline, according to multiple reports.

Kupchak said that, for the record, Dwight Howard won't be traded.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 20, 2013

When asked if the Lakers will keep Howard this season, Kupchak responded by saying:

"That would be correct"

Howard, who becomes a unrestricted free agent this summer, is averaging 16.3 points per game this season, his worst average since the 2005-06 season when he scored 15.8 points per game with the Magic.

One rumor that was making the rounds before the All-Star break was a Rajon Rondo for Howard swap, but that deal was denied by the Lakers.

(Con't) Kupchak added that he hasn't talked with anyone else in Celtics organization.

— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) February 16, 2013