Lakers Rumor: Josh Smith believes Dwight will stay in L.A.

Dwight Howard's long-time friend Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks believes that Howard will stay with the Los Angeles Lakers when the smoke clears on his impending free agency, reports Mark Medina of L.A. Daily News:

Smith says he has a good idea on whether Howard will stay with the Lakers once he becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

"I can't pick his brain and be in his head but to me, I don't see him going anywhere," Smith said before the Lakers hosted the Hawks at Staples Center.

"It would be a shock to me."

Howard has remained non-committal in regards to his future, but this is one of a handful of people linked to, but not named, "Dwight Howard" who have given their opinion on how they expect the scenario to play out. Hakeem Olajuwon also stated the he expects Howard to stay in Los Angeles, and Dwight Howard Sr. said he expects Howard to stay with the Lakers. Still, until it's finalized and Howard is signed as a Laker this Summer, the speculation will continue to rise.

Smith also called Howard a "loyal" athlete and "loyal" person, via Mark Medina of L.A. Daily News:

"Dwight is a loyal athlete and loyal person," Smith said. "He's not a quitter and doesn't run from situations. That's why I believe with this franchise and the way he's talked so well about it, I can't see him going anywhere."

For whatever it's worth, Howard's latest advertising campaign with Adidas is centered around Howard being "all in" for L.A. We'll find out the truth to that in just a few short months.

- Drew

- Follow this author on Twitter @DrewGarrisonSBN

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