News broke out last night that Dwight Howard was willing to sign a long-term extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, and euphoria swept across the city. The Lakers were always concerned about Howard’s reluctancy to test free agency if he was acquired and they needed to make sure he would stick around for the future. However, with the reported news, it seemed as though the Lakers’ wish came true.

Not so fast Los Angeles.

It appears as though Howard never changed his mind about the Lakers. According to Howard’s agent. he will test free agency next summer no matter where he plays, whether it be in Los Angeles for Brooklyn, ESPN.com.

“Dwight’s position has remained unchanged since the end of this past season,” said Dan Fegan of LaGardere Unlimited. “He fully intends to explore free agency at the end of next season, regardless of what team trades for him, including Brooklyn.”

Howard informed the Orlando Magic that his top choice was the Brooklyn Nets, but the two sides could not come to a favorable deal. So the next option for the Magic was to explore a trade with the Lakers.

The Lakers, Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers have been talking about a deal, but it has hit many roadblocks. The major impediment of Howard not signing an extension with the Lakers seemed to have been solved, but it looks like the issue has emerged again.

*Update – The main reason for this is to make sure Dwight Howard doesn’t break any rules by promising to sign an extension. This promise would be against the rules of the current CBA.