Hoops Nation

Magic center Dwight Howard signaled that if he is traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, he would be prepared to sign a long-term extension after the 2012-13 NBA season, the basketball website RealGM.com reported on Wednesday.

Two sources confirmed to ESPN The Magazine’s Chris Broussard that Howard is willing to re-sign long-term with the Lakers if Orlando trades him there. Until recently, Howard had been steadfast in his desire to commit only to the Brooklyn Nets long-term.

The Lakers have not been notified of any change in Howard’s thinking as of late Wednesday night, a league source told ESPNLosAngeles.com’s Ramona Shelburne, but had always figured he would commit to staying with the franchise once he experienced being part of a championship culture. As ESPNLosAngeles.com reported Tuesday night, the Lakers have been willing to make a trade for Howard without assurances he would sign an extension.

(Via ESPN)