In case Houston's Dwight Howard thought his departure from the Lakers was water under the bridge, he got a friendly reminder from L.A. and Kobe Bryant fans of their continued displeasure with him.
During a recent exhibition game versus the Indiana Pacers in the Philippines, Howard was greeted with a scattering of boos and "Kobe” chants inside the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Although the Rockets did get the win, it was very apparent that a bad taste still lingered in the mouths of the passionate Lakers fans in the Philippines.
Hopefully Howard has developed a thick skin this off season, because the reception he received is just a tiny morsel of the venom he will get when he makes his two visits back to the Staples Center this upcoming season.
The chilly reception wasn’t the only thing that caused raised eyebrows during the game out in the Philippines. His stat line wasn't impressive to say the least. Howard produced 9 points, 1-4 from the free throw line, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in 29 minutes.
Granted this was just a preseason game but if he wants to win over fans and remind everyone how much he is able to dominate the court, a stat line like this will hurt more than help.
Regardless, I am sure Lakers fans will be eager to greet Howard with a cascade of boos when he returns to L.A. Then again, he might be used to it already considering Magic fans still have a dislike for the way he left the team.
