The Lakers have held preliminary talks with the Magic on a trade for Dwight Howard, according to sources.

Orlando officials are now willing to explore trades of Howard and the Lakers, Nets and Rockets have been in touch.

No direct offers have been made by the Lakers, but the Magic are unwilling to entertain any trade that does not include Andrew Bynum. The Magic will rebuild and Pau Gasol wouldn't be conducive to those plans.

The Lakers were willing to trade Bynum for Howard in March, but those talks ended after Howard opted in for the 12-13 season.

Howard and his agent have expressed a preference for a trade to the Nets.