Report: Asik wants out of Houston if Howard comes

Houston Rockets starting center Omar Asik wants no part of being Dwight Howard's backup.

After numerous reports on Friday said that Howard would leave the Los Angeles Lakers and sign a free-agent deal with the Rockets, a source close to the Turkish center told ESPN that the 7-foot, 27-year-old was not interested in playing next to or behind Howard.

Asik started all 82 games last year for Houston and averaged career highs in points (10.1), rebounds (11.7) and blocks (2.7). There is some speculation he could be used as part of a trade to acquire Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks.

The Hawks have shown a willingness to work out a sign-and-trade for Smith, ESPN said.