NBA Free Agency 2013: Twitter Blows Up As Dwight Howard Finally Makes Decision Picking The Rockets Over The Lakers

The Dwight Howard "Indecision" unfolded rapidly via social media, with many sports fans, journalists, and pundits giving their two-cents, as the free agent center decided between playing for the Los Angeles Lakers or the Houston Rockets.

Howard, who finally committed to signing with the Rockets made the ordeal a Twitter adventure for hoops fans, when initial reports stated he had signed with Houston. Later in the evening, ESPN's Chris Broussard reported that Howard was flying back to Los Angeles to talk with Laker general manager Mitch Kupchak, concerned about leaving the extra year and $30 million on the table. The Lakers could have given Howard a five-year deal worth $118 million while Houston could only offer $88 million over four years.

By 10:25 PM EST, Kupchak released a statement, through the Lakers' Web site, thanking Howard for his contributions to the franchise, wishing the center the best in his future endeavors.

Between 6: 25 PM EST, when the Howard-to-Houston rumors started gaining steam, to 10:25 PM EST, Twitter exploded with various opinions - ranging from informative to comedic - as "The Indecision" unfolded in real-time. Here is a sampling of what was said on Twitter about the Rockets' latest acquisition:

Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) - newly acquired Houston Rocket center

I've decided to become a member of the Houston Rockets. I feel its the best place for me and I am excited (cont) https://t.co/h8WK4yP3zB

— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) July 6, 2013

Daryl Morey (@dmorey) - Houston Rockets General Manager

Welcome to Houston @DwightHoward!!! Years of work by Dwight & Rockets went into this. This team is going to be special.

— Daryl Morey (@dmorey) July 6, 2013

Stephen A. Smith (@stephenasmith) - Host pf ESPN First Take

In case no one has heard, I spoke to @DwightHoward directly. No flip-Flopping. He's heading to the Houston Rockets. Still on vaca. C U Sun!

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 6, 2013

Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) - NBA writer for ESPN.com

Rockets center Omer Asik has no interest in backing up or playing next Dwight Howard, according to sources. Could force trade.

— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 5, 2013

Brett Poirier (@BrettNBA) - NBA analyst/insider and Sports reporter at TC Media

Message from Dwight, "I am excited about joining the Rockets and I'm looking forward to a great season."

— Brett Poirier NBA (@BrettNBA) July 6, 2013

Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) - NBA reporter for HOOPSWORLD, a property of USA Today

I know most of you are upset with Dwight Howard, but he didn't flip flop here. He never announced anything and he didn't inform HOU or L.A.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 6, 2013

Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) - ESPN Sports Business Reporter & Business Correspondent for ABC

It Just Got Real: @KobeBryant has unfollowed @DwightHoward within the last hour.

— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) July 6, 2013

Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) - Senior Writer for Sports Illustrated and NBA Insider for NBC Sports Net. Ringside reporter for EPIX, NBC

Earlier, Dwight Howard's agent, Dan Fegan, told SI that Dwight would decide tonight or tomorrow. Emphasized that he had made no decision.

— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) July 6, 2013

Mike Hill (@ItsMikeHill) - ESPN TV & Radio Personality, Creator & CoStar of #BothSidesOfTheBallESPN Web Series

I just can't with Dwight!!! At least LeBron MADE a decision and STUCK with it... Dwight be like not 1..not 2..not 3 mind changes.

— Mike Hill (@ItsMikeHill) July 6, 2013

Joseph Casciaro (@JosephCasciaro) - Writer for TheScore.com

I may be wrong here, but it seems to me that Dwight Howard is flip-flopping on the very issue of whether or not he's a flip-flopper.

— Joseph Casciaro (@JosephCasciaro) July 6, 2013

Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) - Editor and Publisher of HOOPSWORLD / USA Today Sports

I have to say watching this Dwight Howard thing play out is one of the most awesome things I have experienced. You'll miss it when its done.

— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) July 6, 2013

Mike Sielski (@MikeSielskiWSJ) - Sportswriter for The Wall Street Journal

Once Dwight Howard makes his decision, the terrorists win.

— Mike Sielski (@MikeSielskiWSJ) July 6, 2013

Neal Brennan (@nealbrennan) - Co-creator of Chappelle's Show

Dwight Howard always does freeze up when he gets double-teamed.

— Neal Brennan (@nealbrennan) July 6, 2013

Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) - NFL Insider for ESPN.com

Brett Favre thinks Dwight Howard is really indecisive.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 6, 2013

Jemele Hill (@jemelehill): 1/3 of ESPN's Numbers Never Lie, co-host of His and Hers podcast

Seriously: Lakers and Dwight Howard didn't need each other. Dwight's reservations were legit & Lakers need a superstar they can trust.

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) July 6, 2013