Dwight Howard feels like he has a special connection to Andrew Bynum, and he wants to see his Finals opponent do well.

Howard and Bynum, true centers, are a dying breed in today's NBA.

"Of course," Howard said of wanting Bynum to play well. "I've been watching Andrew since high school, and he's come a long way with his weight.

"I first saw him in the All-Star Game and he was wider, but he's slimmed down, gotten into better shape. ... I think we have a lot of respect for each other, knowing we're like dinosaurs in the NBA. There's not a lot of us."

Howard told the Daily News that he is even willing to work with Bynum on getting stronger this summer.

"He wants to get a little toned up, and I've got some workout regimens for him," Howard said.