Superman arrives in Los Angeles, excited to join Lakers

Posted: Aug 10, 2012 9:20 PM by Andrew Masuda

The newest member of the Los Angels Lakers met the media on Friday. General Manager Mitch Kupchak introduced his center Dwight Howard.

The All-Star showed off his new #12 jersey. He averaged 20.6 points, 14.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game last year for the Orlando Magic. The press conference marked the last act of his long, drawn-out departure from Orlando.

"It's time for a change for my life. And it's time for a fresh start for myself and the Magic. And I'm just looking forward to the challenge, looking forward to being here representing the Laker organization. Today is Laker day. What happened in the past is behind me now. I've grown a lot in these last four months, but I'm looking forward to starting here starting fresh today, and doing the best I can for the city of Los Angeles," said Howard.

The Lakers sent All-Star center Andrew Bynum to the Philadelphia 76ers as part of the four-team, 12 player deal that was completed after NBA officials reviewed all sides Friday. Andre Iguodala went from the 76ers to Denver. Orlando got guard Aaron Afflalo and forward Al Harrington from Denver, forward Moe Harkless and center Nikola Vucevic from Philadelphia, and forward Josh McRoberts and guard Christian Eyenga from the Lakers.

The Lakers got Howard, guard Chris Duhon and forward Earl Clark from Orlando. The Magic also traded guard Jason Richardson to Philadelphia.

"There's a lot of things that have been said that upset me. The biggest thing was me quitting on my team, or me faking an injury. Anybody who knows me and they know what I'm about I would never quit and I would never fake an injury. I've never been a quitter, I've always been somebody who has pushed through the end. I've had injuries before but I've never said anything about them. I've played through them. I've played through a lot of things so I've never been a quitter. So that's about it. I've never been a quitter," said Howard, who also said his health is getting better everyday.