I strongly feel that Howard will still end up a Laker before next season.
The Lakers have a decent package to offer Orlando and a first priority for L.A is to keep Kobe happy.
Plus with Kobe close to being on his way to retirement in a few years, the Lakers will need another superstar to carry the torch like a younger Howard.
Kobe will certainly push managment hard to aquire Howard because Kobe knows that his best chance at getting 1 more ring. Kobe may have had some of his powers takin away when Buss stepped down, but he still has a big say so especially with the amount of money management still has to pay Kobe. Kobe won't be easy to trade because of the amount of money he has left on his contract, so its in the Lakers best interest to satisfy Kobe and bring in Howard.
With only a year on his contract, The Lakers won't be obligated long term for Howard unless they choose to work out an extension.
And with Artest's latest ignorence, I don't see him returning to the Lakers next season.
