Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard reportedly almost came to blows after loss to Sixers

Say, Kobe Bryant rubs Dwight Howard the wrong way, and vice versa? The L.A. Lakers are imploding before our very eyes? Say.

Take it away, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News:

A league source told the Daily News that the Lakers stars got into a heated exchange following a New Year's Day loss to the 76ers, and Bryant went for a low blow - referencing and agreeing with Shaquille O'Neal's criticisms of Howard being soft.

Howard was restrained from going at his teammate, according to the source, and there have been rumblings from the center's camp that he's been unhappy with Bryant since earlier in the season.

Kobe is a famously difficult teammate, and Howard has famously thin skin. So, in other words, this is a match MADE IN HEAVEN.

Bondy goes on to explain that if the Lakers decide to throw up their hands, the Brooklyn Nets could be lurking, ready to offer a package for Howard. Brook Lopez, who has been one of the best centers in the league this season, could lead that package.

Lakers!