The Lakers have seemingly stepped up their efforts to acquire Dwight Howard by dealing Lamar Odom to the Mavericks for an $8.9 million trade exception and a future protected draft pick. While there’s been plenty of talk lately about the Lakers being the favorites to land Howard, indications are that they remain unwilling to part with both Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Trading Gasol and Bynum would empty the Lakers' enviable frontcourt depth. Via the Orange County Register -------------------------------------------------- When Dwight Howard asked to be traded, the Magic informed him that the team will not let his request dictate their timetable for a decision. "[S]ources close to the team said there will be no rush to judgment on Howard's fate, no matter how uncomfortable the relationship might get leading up to the March trade deadline," writes Sam Amick. "When Howard requested a trade earlier this week, the source said he was told the Magic wouldn't succumb to the mounting pressure and that Howard should be prepared to play for the Magic for the foreseeable future." A complicating factor could be that Orlando is investigating possible tampering by the Nets, the team that is reportedly Howard's first choice. Via Sam Amich, Si.com