The Lakers have seemingly stepped up their efforts to acquire Dwight Howard by dealing Lamar Odom to the Mavericks for an $8.9 million trade exception and a future protected draft pick.

While there’s been plenty of talk lately about the Lakers being the favorites to land Howard, indications are that they remain unwilling to part with both Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.

Trading Gasol and Bynum would empty the Lakers' enviable frontcourt depth.