Dwight Howard says Mitch Kupchak told him he won’t be traded

The traveling circus known as the Lakers hit All-Star weekend. Center Dwight Howard was hit with a barrage of questions about his future.

“[The Lakers] told me they weren’t going to trade me,� Howard said. “That’s what [General Manager] Mitch [Kupchak] said.�

Howard was acquired by the Lakers in the off-season from the Orlando Magic. He’ll be a free agent once his contract expires after the season.

Howard has done his best to avoid commenting on his plans beyond the current season.

“I’ve got to do what makes me happy. That’s it,� said Howard about his future. “Having fun on the court -- that makes me happy.�

At 25-29, the Lakers haven’t looked like a jovial bunch. Howard admitted it’s been difficult to have fun.

“At the present time, no,� he said. “Hopefully it will get better.�

The Lakers pick up after the break on Wednesday night at Staples Center, against the Boston Celtics.

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.

Times Staff Writer Ben Bolch contributed to this report from Houston.