Dwight free agency: Kobe, Nash part of Lakers pitch to Howard on Tuesday, according to report

Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash will be a part of the Los Angeles Lakers presentation to free agent Dwight Howard on Tuesday, reports Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. The Lakers will be the last team to meet with Howard at their request and will have two of their future hall of fame players on board when they make their final pitch.

The Lakers have not finalized their list of representatives to take part in Tuesday's meeting, but Phil Jackson is not expected to take part in the Lakers' pitch to the big man, according to Shelburne. Howard has been receptive to Jackson's involvement from a distance, but wants him to have a "defined, long-term" role.

Bryant has repeatedly made it clear that he wants Howard to return and stressed the importance of getting the "final word" with him before he makes his decision. Howard is expected to make his decision quickly and reportedly wants to sign his contract on the first possible day, July 10.

The Lakers are preparing their final push to keep Howard in Los Angeles, and the Houston Rockets are just hours away from being the first team to meet with him.

- Drew

- Follow this author on Twitter @DrewGarrisonSBN