Los Angeles Lakers tell Dwight Howard that he won't be traded

The Los Angeles Lakers have informed Dwight Howard that he won't be dealt before the February 21 trade deadline.

ESPN's Chris Broussard reported that Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak told D12 that there's no plan to deal him, and the franchise is "very confident" that Howard will re-sign with the club when he becomes a free agent on July 1.

However, Howard is expected to draw several suitors, among them, Atlanta, Dallas and Houston.

The Lakers will have the advantage of offering D12 a five-year contract worth about $118 million. The other clubs can offer only four years at about $88 million. However, Houston is seen as a threat since adding James Harden.

Howard told Stephen A. Smith on Monday that he wants to avoid "the circus" of his future -- unlike last year with the Orlando Magic.

"I don't want it, my team doesn't need it, I don't need it, and frankly, our fans don't need it neither," Howard told Smith.

Meanwhile, Pau Gasol injured his foot in LA's Tuesday win. He left the arena in a walking boot and on crutches, and there are reports that he felt a pop. He could be out for about a month.

Photo: Mike Trudell's Twitter.