"It's not a 'shoulda-coulda-woulda' scenario, " Williams said, reiterating his support for Lopez over Howard.

WSJ: Nets: Dwight Who?

Howard is undeniably a better rebounder than Lopez or Blatche (he leads the league at 11.9 per game), but the Lakers' overall rebounding isn't much better than the Nets'.

WSJ: Nets: Dwight Who?

Lopez was faced with Pau Gasol in Howard's absence and the first-time All-Star was up to the challenge.

WSJ: Bryant's Late Show Upstages Nets

Nets point guard Deron Williams described such a feeling at Monday's practice when asked about having Lopez as the team's center instead of Howard, who the Nets made several attempts to acquire in 2012.

WSJ: Nets: Dwight Who?

Nets center Brook Lopez, who was the centerpiece of the team's efforts to trade for Howard last season, responded by hitting a jumper and a foul shot at the other end, but the Lakers overpowered them down the stretch, scoring the final 10 points of the game.

WSJ: Bryant's Late Show Upstages Nets

Dwight Howard had 20 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks for Los Angeles, including a block on Lopez in the final minute.

NPR: Bryant, Lakers Roar Back Against Hornets, 108-102