Is the Dwight Howard saga finally over? According to reports, the answer is yes. Dwight Howard will be a Los Angeles Laker when the 2012-13 season opens, he is heading west as part of a four-team deal that will send Andrew Bynum to Philadelphia as well.

Pau Gasol, first rumored to be included in the deal, is not a part of the package. Looks like Kobe's word still stands on that issue.

ESPN.com has details :

A four-team trade that would send Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers is complete, multiple sources told ESPN on Thursday night.

A source with direct knowledge of the talks told ESPN.com's Marc Stein the Lakers will receive Howard, the Denver Nuggets will acquire Andre Iguodala, the 76ers will receive Andrew Bynum and Jason Richardson, and the Magic will Aaron Afflalo, Al Harrington and Nikola Vucevic and one protected future first-round pick from each of the other three teams.

In addition, the Magic will be getting other pieces, including 76ers No. 1 draft pick Moe Harkless, a source told Stein.

Sources close to the process told Stein and ESPNLosAngeles.com's Ramona Shelburne that a trade call with the league office has been scheduled for Friday to secure the necessary NBA approval to make the deal official.

One source briefed on Howard's plans told Stein that the All-Star center will indeed stand firm on his intent to play out the 2012-13 season without extending his contract so he can become a free agent on July 1, 2013. Going that route will enable Howard to decide how comfortable he is in Los Angeles before deciding whether to re-sign with the Lakers or join the Dallas Mavericks.

Image courtesy of DwightHowardLakers.com