The Houston Rockets' pitch to Dwight Howard to begin free agency on Sunday night centered on their plan to help the Los Angeles Lakers free agent win multiple NBA championships.

The Rockets were the frontrunners entering free agency, and they did nothing to lower their chances, according to sources.

Hakeem Olajowon, Clyde Drexler and Yao Ming all had a presence in the meeting.

Kevin McHale made it clear to Howard that he planned to build his system around him, and that, ultimately, he would hold Howard accountable every day in the franchise's pursuit of a title.