Waiting for Dwight: After rough season, Kobe hopes Howard returns to Lakers for another run

Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard talks to reporters in El Segundo, Calif., Tuesday, April 30, 2013. The Lakes lost their first-round NBA basketball playoff series to the San Antonio Spurs. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) (The Associated Press)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryan talks to reporters during a news conference in El Segundo, Calif., Tuesday, April 30, 2013. The Lakes lost their first-round NBA basketball playoff series to the San Antonio Spurs. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) (The Associated Press)

Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and coach Mike D'Antoni all believe Dwight Howard should stick with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Howard is in no hurry to announce his free-agent decision after the Lakers' disappointing season.

The seven-time All-Star center wrapped up his first season in Los Angeles on Tuesday by vowing to make his decision in his own best interests, giving no indication he favored the Lakers over any other team.

Howard says he returned from offseason back surgery several months earlier than expected because he wanted to win with Bryant and the Lakers, only to watch their season dissolve.

Bryant says Los Angeles is "the perfect spot" for Howard to have the career he deserves. Bryant also thinks the Lakers' current core should return intact this fall.