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Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard hugged after the Lakers' loss to the Rockets

Best friends forever, right?

Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard have had their clashes over the years, with Bryant defeating Howard in the 2009 NBA Finals when Howard was with the Orlando Magic before the two became teammates during what would be one of the Lakers' most disappointing and tumultuous season in Lakers history.

Bryant and Howard's rumored disagreements and the Lakers' unwillingness to "muzzle" Bryant are among the reported reasons Dwight chose the Houston Rockets as a free agent after his lone season with the Lakers.