Howard wants Kobe to help him in dunk contest

Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard is hoping to incorporate a former teammate into his quest for a second NBA Slam Dunk contest title.

Following the Lakers' 100-92 win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday, Howard requested the fans' help to convince Kobe Bryant to join him for next month's event.

"I'm trying to get Kobe," he said, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "So if I can get all the Laker fans to lobby to get Kobe to help me in the dunk contest, that'd be really good. That'd be awesome."

Howard, who won the dunk contest in 2008, will be participating for the first time in more than 10 years. Bryant won the 1997 Slam Dunk contest title.

"Have I asked him? Not yet," said Howard. "Just got to get the fans behind me first. Setting the table. Need you guys. 'Hey, Kobe, can you get in the dunk contest with Dwight?' That'd be great."