Report: Magic, Lakers, Rockets talking three-way deal for Dwight Howard

With the Brooklyn Nets temporarily thwarted from acquiring Dwight Howard by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Eric Pincus of HoopsWorld.com reports that the Orlando Magic have had preliminary discussions about a three-way trade with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets that would send Howard to the Lakers, center Andrew Bynum to the Rockets and draft picks, prospects and cap relief to the Magic.

The talks have been confirmed by Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News.

The Nets are by no means out of the running, but the Magic continue to explore all options.

There are a number of factors at play, Pincus writes, including Orlando's supposed preference for draft picks and prospects; Bynum's supposed willingness to sign an extension with Houston; and the Rockets' abundance of highly regarded youngsters (they had three first-rounders in the recent draft) and future draft picks.

UPDATE:Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports that the Magic and Rockets are also discussing a deal that would send Howard directly to Houston.