Video: Basketball Legends React to Dwight Howard Trade

Lakers Nation’s Serena Winters attended the Harold Pump Foundation Gala Friday evening immediately following the Dwight Howard introductory press conference for exclusive interviews with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius Erving, Jalen Rose, Anthony Anderson and Marques Johnson.

Julius Erving (Dr. J), the fifth-highest scorer in professional basketball history, had some big and simple words to say about the Lakers new center.

“He’s the best center in the game.”

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBAs all-time leading scorer, also spoke very highly of the big man.

“When you have somebody that’s totally committed like Dwight Howard, it’s better for the team.”

“It’s going to be enjoyable and the fans should like what they see.”

Marques Johnson, a five-time All-Star from 1977-1989 who played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors, weighed in on commissioner David Stern’s role.

“I was kind of biting my nails and wondering if David Stern was going to rear his ugly head and have a say so in this trade but I think he’s learned his lesson.”

“Lakers are a championship team right now.”

Jalen Rose, most known for being a member of the “Fab Five,” also played for six teams in the NBA, none of which dawned the purple and gold.

“Over the next two years, it will be a disappointment to all Lakers fans if they don’t win at least one championship.”

“They got a lot of stars, but only one superstar, Kobe Bryant.”

Watch our Lakers Nation exclusive below.

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