NBA: It's official -— Dwight Howard chooses Rockets

Dwight Howard made it official Friday (Saturday, PHL time) when he told the Los Angeles Lakers that he will opt not to re-sign with them and join the Houston Rockets instead.

In a statement on their website, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said: "We have been informed of Dwight's decision to not return to the Lakers. Naturally we're disappointed."

"However, we will now move forward in a different direction with the future of the franchise and, as always, will do our best to build the best team possible, one our great lakers fans will be proud to support," he said.

"To Dwight, we thank him for his time and consideration, and for his efforts with us last season. We wish him the best of luck on the remainder of his NBA career," Kupchak added.

On his Twitter account, Howard said: "I've decided to become a member of the Houston Rockets. I feel its the best place for me and I am excited about joining the Rockets and I'm looking forward to a great season. I want to thank the fans in Los Angeles and wish them the best." - Adrian Dy / VVP, GMA News