Kobe: I wish Dwight Howard 'the best, honestly,' but won't be rooting for him

Kobe Bryant tweeted that he wishes Dwight Howard "the best, honestly." (Noah Graham/NBAE)

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant officially broke his silence on Dwight Howard's bolt from Los Angeles to sign with the Rockets, tweeting on Monday that he wishes Howard "the best." Bryant noted, however, that he'll no longer be following him on Twitter because the two will be going head-to-head in the Western Conference.

"I wish d12 the best honestly," Bryant tweeted. "I just find it hard to follow players that wanna kick my team's [butt]."

Prior to Monday, Bryant's actions had spoken louder than his words in reacting to Howard's move. He posted a photo of himself and longtime teammate Pau Gasol on Instagram shortly after Howard confirmed his move. He also took the step of unfollowing Howard on Twitter.

According to reports that emerged before Howard officially made his decision, Bryant may have had a hand in Howard's decision to walk. Bryant's reported sales pitch was a "complete turnoff" for Howard.

In a subsequent tweet, Bryant vaguely weighed in on how he thinks the team should proceed after Howard's departure.

"Personally I'd keep Metta [World Peace] and make a run with the unit we have and just add a few pieces," Bryant said in the tweet.

The Lakers, however, have reportedly decided to wave World Peace via the team's amnesty provision, a move that will save them approximately $30 million. But they did agree to a one-year contract with center Chris Kaman.