The lockout is over, the rumors are flying and the Orlando Magic are on center stage. Dwight Howard is a wanted man. The Clippers, Nets and Lakers are among the teams reportedly preparing a package to acquire the NBA's most dominant center.

The opinion of most people is that Howard will leave The City Beautiful for the bright lights of New York or Los Angeles. And why wouldn't he? Both cities present great opportunities for Howard to compete for a title while growing his brand.

The Magic, however, won't let their franchise player walk away without a fight. In fact, they can't afford to let Howard walk away without doing everything in their power to keep him. Aside from the fact that they're one year into the new Amway Center, and the choices of top-notch talent is thin, the Magic have the unfortunate distinction of being a franchise with a history of cultivating talent only to watch that talent thrive in other markets.

We all know the story of Shaquille O'Neal and the championships he took with him. It's also been hard to miss Grant Hill's rebirth in Phoenix. Not to mention Tracy McGrady's four outstanding seasons with the Rockets before injury derailed his career.

Doc Rivers (coach not player) Penny Hardaway, Chauncey Billups, and Ben Wallace also add to the true Magic fan's angst.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, however. While many already have the Magic trading their star or Howard leaving in the summer outright as a free agent, the story changes depending on who you speak to, both sides seem interested in continuing their relationship.

But the organization and the superstar have reached a stalemate. Word of the day is: Commitment.

There are two schools of thought here.

Let's start with the organization's stance.

They're reportedly ready to make an attempt to go after Chris Paul or Deron Williams. They understand what those two guys can do for the franchise and would love to have them.

But there's a caveat.

The Magic want a commitment from Howard before making any big decisions or inquires. They'd love for Howard to sign an extension as soon as he can, but they'd settle for a pubic declaration of love and an indication of his intent to stay in Orlando.

The belief is acquiring Paul or Williams becomes much easier if Howard is on record saying he'll stay once they safely arrive.

Then we have Howard's position.

Turned off by a few empty promises from the suits, Howard is reportedly looking for the Magic to show him they're committed to creating a championship culture in Orlando. Players, marketing, mentality, the whole kit that is afforded to the NBA's true superstars.

As for a good a long-term commitment.

The feeling is that Howard has shown his commitment to the organization by continuing to improve his game each season. He's a also been a visible figure in the community, winning the Rich and Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award five times.

The belief is that Howard has made it clear he's committed to the Magic; now it's their turn.

It's too early to know how this one ends, but it's certainly one of the more interesting stories around the league. You'd have to believe the Magic would move forward with plans to go after Chris Paul with or without an endorsement from Howard, it just makes sense.

The Magic reached The Finals in 2009, and the addition of Paul or Williams would only get them back to a championship level while making them extremely marketable. It's really a no-brainer; make the call, work a deal and present Howard with the result. Once you have a deal in place ask for a commitment.

This is a big year for Orlando. The Howard situation, the All-Star Game and the chance to add another superstar to the team. If they handle this situation correctly they can put Orlando on the map as a viable NBA city and erase the memories of the summer of Shaq.

Follow Jarrod Rudolph on Twitter: @MisterRudolph