Dwight Howard happy to be in Los Angeles rather than Brooklyn

Dwight Howard’s preferred destination last summer was said to be Brooklyn, where he would team with Deron Williams in an attempt to give the newly relocated Nets a fresh identity after years of playing in the wilds of New Jersey.

But the Orlando Magic traded Howard to the Lakers instead, and he couldn’t be happier to be in sunny Southern California.

“I’m in L.A.,” Howard said Monday. “There’s no need to talk about what could have happened. I’m happy being here in L.A. Like I’ve said, the fans have always been great here and now that I’m on the team, the fans … they have been unbelievable to me.

“So, I’m just happy about that. … I think this is the best situation for me.”

The Lakers and the Nets play Tuesday at Staples Center.