NBA Rumors: The Competition for Josh Smith Heats Up for the Lakers

According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the Lakers aren’t the only ones in pursuit of Atlanta Hawks’ power forward, Josh Smith.

With Dwight Howard regarded as one of Josh Smith’s closest friends, the Magic are rumored to be one of the teams trying to get Josh Smith, so that it can increase their chances of keeping Dwight Howard happy and in Orlando.

The Boston Celtics are also rumored to be in the hunt for Josh Smith, but they really don’t have anything to offer the Hawks.

Boston, Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers — with Pau Gasol as the prime piece being offered in L.A.’s case — have joined Orlando this week in making their interest in Smith known.

The Lakers seems to still be holding the best asset at the table with Pau Gasol and with the relationship between new Hawk’s GM, Danny Ferry and Lakers head coach, Mike Brown, this looks like a deal that may happen for the Lakers more than anyone else.

But this is the draft, so anything can happen.