Dwight Howard Leaves Lakers For Rockets [PHOTOS]: Shaquille O'Neal And Kobe Bryant Respond, Shaq Blasts Howard, Says 'Howard Couldn't Handle L.A. Pressure'

Dwight Howard announced his departure from the L.A. Lakers to the Houston Rockets Friday, July 5^th, and the center has been catching flack ever since.  The free agent left the bright lights of the big city to play along side a younger budding team alongside, shooting guard James Harden and emerging star Chandler Parsons, a move both Shaq and Kobe have blasted.

Former Lakers Center and two time champion, Shaquille O'Neal recently commented on Howards leave to ESPN, pointing out that Howard could not handle the pressure in L.A., and deducing his relocation to Houston as a "small city" move.

Shaq told ESPN:

"It was expected. We've all been in L.A., and not a whole lot of people can handle being under the bright lights. Everybody wants to do it, but when you get there, there are certain pressures. I think it was a safe move for him to go to a little town like Houston. That's right, little town. I said it."

While Shaq had his choice words on the matter, Bryant showed his distaste for Howard's move by unfollowing him on social media just moments after Howard shared his decision to join the Rockets lineup. According to numerous reports Kobe alledgedly tried to win Howard over, by stating that he would mentor him and teach him how become a champion, but as it turns out Kobe's pleas fell on deaf ears.  Howard announced his reasoning for parting with one of the best teams in the league.

"I just looked at both teams and I felt like Houston was going in one direction." Dwight said. "They got a lot of young players, they got a good coach in Kevin McHale and I just felt like having him as a coach, he could really help me in the post and help me develop like I want to. That was mainly the big reason right there, and having the opportunity to grow with a team, a young team, like the Rockets. That's the reason why [I decided to leave]."

Do you think Howard will do better on Houston?  Could Kobe have taught him how to be a champion?