LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – Superstar center Dwight Howard announced on Twitter Friday night that he was leaving the Los Angeles Lakers to join the Houston Rockets.

“I’ve decided to become a member of the Houston Rockets,” Howard tweeted. “I feel its the best place for me and I am excited about joining the Rockets and I’m looking forward to a great season.  I want to thank the fans in Los Angeles and wish them the best.”

Howard posted the tweet at 7:59 p.m. Pacific time.

He made the announcement just a few hours after USA TODAY Sports broke the story that he was close to signing a four-year, $88-million deal with the Rockets.

Howard, 27, spent one season with the Lakers after the Orlando Magic traded him a year ago.