Any star worth a damn will challenge their teammates when they feel it's necessary, timely and helpful. While Dwight Howard's trade request has created an awkward situation, it hasn't changed his obligation to the Orlando Magic -- he's their leader.

After a disappointing 93-67 loss to the Hornets on Friday, Howard took his team to task.

"I look at guys and they don't look like they want to play," Howard said following the blowout loss. "I told them at halftime, 'If you don't want to play, just stay in the locker room, because it don't make sense for a team who we should beat to just demolish us.' 

"I want to win a championship," he added. "I work too hard every night for anybody to not want to go out there and play hard. None of the — whatever, trade stuff — none of that stuff matters. Play basketball. That’s why we all get paid to do this, because we love the game and it’s basketball, so why not give it your all.”

Howard, a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, is expected to lead the Magic in energy, production and passion regardless of the trade request. Anything less would be a personal failure for Howard and a slap in the face to the organization.

His frustration should be understood.

Effort and production from Howard hasn't been an issue. He's been praised for his performances and complimented on his focus. He has played more like a man that wants to win than a man looking to greener pastures.

Howard, still just 26-years-old, makes mistakes but calling his teammates out was right on. I understand the dynamic of leading a team when one foot is seemingly out the door, I get it. But the truth is Howard can't dial back any aspect of his game even if he wanted to, and he wouldn't; his pride won't allow him to.

Howard must be himself and that includes occasionally getting on his teammates.

And why shouldn't he speak up? Why should he hold his tongue if he doesn't like his guys level of play? A closed mouth don't get fed and guys will only respond to things they hear from someone they respect. Everyone in the Orlando locker room respects Howard.

Let's not forget that Howard has challenged his teammates before, privately and publically, and they've generally responded well. His latest challenge shouldn't be viewed differently because of the trade request. Trade or no trade, the job hasn't changed; the Magic have to play winning basketball and the responsibility is Howard's to lead them.

It needs to be understood that publically Howard's actions may seem like he's throwing his guys under the bus. Public perception, however, doesn't accurately speak to the relationships in the locker room. Howard's teammates have played damn good basketball, until these last three losses in four games. They haven't looked at all distracted by the trade request, they've been professional all the way. They've shown they're better than three bad losses and a poor effort against the lackluster Hornets. Howard wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't say something.

What bothers me about the whole situation is that Howard will be accused of being disengaged if he has a bad game or doesn't speak up after a week of bad losses. But when he challenges his teammates he's wrong because he doesn't want to be in Orlando.

He can't win for losing.

Yes, I understand he requested the trade. Yes, I understand it creates an awkward situation in Orlando. But his frustrations are the same frustrations fueling the fans that are calling for Otis Smith's job and asking for Jameer Nelson to be traded. Bottom line, you can't possibly see fault in the Magic roster or their effort and have an issue with what Howard said or the way he said it.

Leaders lead their teams no matter what. It's not always nice, but so long as it's honest and consistent you have to respect the message. Howard's teamates would be wise to take heed.

Follow Jarrod Rudolph on Twitter: @MisterRudolph