"We're going to get a smile back on his face that hasn't been on it for a couple of years because of various things, injury and maybe the team situation he was in at the time," general manager Daryl Morey said.

The Rockets were the ones beaming, thanks to Howard's choice to take less money in hopes of more happiness.

"I've decided to become a member of the Houston Rockets. I feel [it's] the best place for me and I am excited about joining the Rockets. I'm looking forward to a great season," Howard wrote on Twitter.

Howard will team up with All-Star James Harden to give the Rockets a potentially potent inside-outside combination.

That did not quite end the Howard saga, which has dragged on a couple of years. Howard spoke again with the Lakers amid reports he was changing his mind.

Turns out, he was just saying goodbye.

"We have been informed of Dwight's decision to not return to the Lakers," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said. "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."

The deal can't become official until Wednesday, after next season's salary cap has been set. The Rockets can give him a four-year deal worth about US$88 million, a year less and far below the US$118 million the Lakers could have offered.

The Lakers acquired Howard last August from Orlando as part of a four-way trade that also included Philadelphia and Denver.

He averaged 17.1 points and 12.4 rebounds in 76 games, good numbers but far from his usual dominant play in eight seasons with the Magic as he played his way back into shape following back surgery.

He was not a natural fit in D'Antoni's system, had what appeared at times to be a strained relationship with Bryant and acknowledged not having fun at times.

Howard's awkward departure is in line with the confusion that has followed him over the past few years. The No 1 pick in the 2004 draft was one of the NBA's most popular and likable players, an Olympic gold medallist who led the Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals - where they lost to Bryant and the Lakers.

But he decided a couple of years later that he wanted out of Orlando. Yet Howard would later agree to not opt for free agency, remaining with the Magic for the 2011-12 season. Howard's season ended prematurely when he needed back surgery, and Orlando finally dealt him to Los Angeles. The Lakers' season was a disappointment, with Bryant, Gasol and Steve Nash all missing time with injuries. They never developed any chemistry, getting swept in the first round of the play-offs by San Antonio.

The Rockets believe he'll find that chemistry in Houston.

"We have good teammates. They're young. They're guys who are great not only on the floor but off. He's going to get along great with our team," Morey said.