After landing Dwight Howard, Rockets top poll of NBA general managers
Given his Achilles’ injury, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Kobe Bryant has slipped in the eyes of general managers, as reported earlier by The Times.
Though the Lakers were represented sporadically through an anonymous survey of all 30 general managers, released by NBA.com, perhaps the number that jumps out is a footnote under the question: “Which team made the best overall moves this season?”
The Houston Rockets top the list at 55.2% (followed by the Brooklyn Nets with 24.1% and the Clippers at 10.3%).
The accompanying note reads, “Last year: L.A. Lakers -- 86.2%.”
The Lakers were the overwhelming answer to the same question a year ago, primarily for their acquisition of Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic.
Of course, the big Rockets’ move was landing free agent Howard, who left the Lakers as a free agent after last season.
Howard wasn’t quite himself for much of the season as he recovered from back surgery and dealt with ongoing shoulder problems. The Lakers struggled through an injury-plagued season, winning 45 games before being swept out of the first round of the playoffs in four games by the San Antonio Spurs.
The veteran center never seemed happy with the Lakers. When the time came to hit free agency, it wasn’t a surprise when he left for the Rockets.
How will the general managers poll hold up for Houston in a year’s time?
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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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