Lakers’ makeover is complete with addition of Dwight Howard

Tomorrow’s story tonight …

The Lakers completed a stunning summer roster makeover with the addition of center Dwight Howard in a four-team trade Thursday that cost them center Andrew Bynum but enabled them to keep power forward Pau Gasol.

The Orlando Magic sent Howard to the Lakers, who dealt Bynum to the Philadelphia 76ers. Arron Afflalo and Al Harrington went from the Denver Nuggets to the Magic and Andre Iguodala went from Philadelphia to Denver.

Prospects and draft picks also were involved in the swap.

ESPN reported the deal was completed Thursday evening, and a conference call with the four teams and the NBA office was scheduled to approve the trade Friday morning. It also said Howard would not sign a contract extension with the Lakers.

Howard will pursue free agency when eligible next July 1, according to ESPN.

His addition for the 2012-13 season gives the Lakers a formidable starting lineup with him at center, Pau Gasol at power forward, Metta World Peace at small forward, Kobe Bryant at shooting guard and Steve Nash at point guard.

The Lakers acquired Nash in a sign-and-trade deal with the Phoenix Suns last month, giving up only draft picks and an $8.9 million trade exception they received when they dealt Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks last December.

In addition to Nash, the Lakers also signed free agent forward Antawn Jamison to a one-season contract worth about $1 million. The team expects Jamison to serve as a backup to Gasol and World Peace and to bolster its lackluster second unit.

The Lakers’ team policy is to decline comment on any and all trade rumors. General manager Mitch Kupchak is forbidden by league rules from talking about Howard until the trade has been completed and approved by the NBA.

Orlando had been trying to deal Howard since the league’s deadline last March 15, with the Lakers considered the Magic’s strongest trade partner. The Magic looked to clean house and start over without the 6-foot-11, 240-pound Howard.

The Lakers were believed to be willing to trade Bynum or Gasol, but not both.