Appearing on the “Club 520 Podcast,” Howard opened up about what truly set them apart. He said: “Kobe’s an a****le. Not saying he’s an a****le to me — I’m just saying his personality, he’s an a****le. He doesn’t give a f***k. Bron gives a f**k. He wants everybody to like him. He wants to joke around, laugh, and have a good time. I just think they’re two ends of the spectrum.”

Howard’s comments speak to the stark contrast in their leadership styles. Bryant was famously intense and direct, demanding the best from those around him, while James is known for being approachable, collaborative, and team-oriented.

Howard picks between Kobe and LeBron

When pressed to choose who he believes is the better player, Howard admitted it was a difficult decision but gave a measured response. “Scoring-wise, you’ve got to go with Kobe,” he said. “With everything combined, you’ve got to give it to LeBron.”

Howard’s answer adds yet another voice to a debate that has divided fans for years. Although his choice doesn’t end the discussion, it carries weight considering he shared locker rooms with both players during his career.

Why the comparison might be unfair

Bryant’s relentless obsession with perfecting his craft made him one of the most feared competitors in NBA history. His work ethic inspired an entire generation of players. James, meanwhile, has relied on a mix of natural gifts, basketball IQ, and consistency to maintain dominance deep into his career.

A direct comparison between their careers might never fully capture their greatness. Bryant’s five championships give him a slight edge in rings, while James’ four Finals MVP awards — double Bryant’s total — highlight his consistent impact on the game’s biggest stage.

At the end of the day, both legends represent two distinct paths to greatness. Whether fans lean toward Bryant’s ruthless mentality or James’ all-around brilliance, Howard’s insight only deepens the appreciation for what both players have meant to the NBA.

As he took the stage, Howard was escorted by Shaquille O’Neal, Dominique Wilkins, Robert Parish, and Patrick Ewing, four legends of the game who represented the very standard he had spent his career chasing.

Howard acknowledged the impact of those who inspired him early in his career. “And I’m able to be walked out here by some of the greatest NBA legends ever. So first I want to shout out to the Chief. My grandma used to love the Chief, and you were one of my biggest inspirations when I started. Thank you.”

He then turned to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, naming him his personal GOAT. “Kareem, I wish you could be here because you are my GOAT. You are the only player in NBA history to have two Hall of Fame careers, one as Lew Alcindor and the other as Kareem. I’m gonna get me a new name to come back and play y’all.”

Why Kareem is the GOAT for Dwight Howard

Howard’s argument for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s GOAT centers on a unique factor that no one else possesses: being the only player to have two Hall of Fame-worthy careers. As Lew Alcindor, he dominated college basketball at UCLA and won an NBA championship. Then, after changing his name to Kareem, he embarked on a second career in Los Angeles that turned him into a global icon and multiple-time NBA champion.

This duality of success is what separates Kareem from Michael Jordan and LeBron James in Howard’s mind. While Jordan and LeBron had consistently dominant careers, Kareem’s is seen as two distinct and legendary phases.

His longevity and sustained excellence over decades, without a significant decline, is the key factor that leads Howard to place Kareem above other greats. The combination of dominance, adaptability, and historical impact makes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar his ultimate choice for the greatest player of all time.

Howard names his favorite players

Beyond Kareem, Howard highlighted other players he considers the best in their roles. He praised Dennis Rodman as the greatest rebounder and Bill Russell for his leadership and strategic influence on the game.

“Shout out to Bill Russell. May he rest in peace. This year marks 50 years since his enshrinement. Your book, Russell Rules, taught me about leadership and the importance of staying committed to my goals,” Howard said.

Howard also honored Rodman’s impact on his career. “Dennis Rodman, I know you couldn’t make it today, but you were one of my favorite players and the greatest rebounder ever. Watching you helped me lead the league five times. It ensured that every time I dominated the glass.”

Finally, Howard acknowledged one of the best defenders in NBA history. “Also rest in peace, Dikembe Mutombo. One of the greatest defenders and shot blockers ever. You motivated me to challenge every shot and battle for every rebound. Thank you.”

Appearing on the PBD Podcast, Howard didn’t shy away from adding himself to the list, placing third overall. “I’d put myself three,” said the eight-time All-Star. “Before at No. 1 is Vince Carter… Now, then you got to go with [Michael Jordan]. Then you got Dominique Wilkins and nobody’s putting him in here, but I got to put him in here—Darryl Dawkins.”

There’s little controversy at the top. Vince Carter remains widely recognized as the greatest dunker in NBA history, thanks in part to his unforgettable performance in the 2000 Dunk Contest, which he won with ease. His aerial artistry redefined what was possible above the rim.

Notable omissions from Howard’s list

Despite his confidence in the list, Howard left out several iconic names who arguably deserve a spot. Julius Erving, a pioneer of above-the-rim play, delivered one of the earliest memorable performances in dunk contest history. More recently, Blake Griffin turned heads in 2011 with his emphatic jams, including his famous dunk over a car.

Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon also come to mind as two of the most electrifying dunkers of the modern era. Their legendary showdown in the 2016 Dunk Contest is widely viewed as one of the most iconic battles in NBA All-Star Weekend history, filled with creativity, power, and flawless execution.

Howard’s choices appear to lean heavily on players from the 1980s and 1990s, suggesting a generational preference. While he certainly earned the right to include himself, fans may wonder why no post-2000 dunkers outside of himself made the cut—especially considering the evolution of athleticism and showmanship in the modern game.

In the end, Howard’s list highlights how subjective these rankings can be. But one thing is clear: when it comes to dunking, NBA history is full of unforgettable moments—and even more unforgettable names.

Despite the energy he brought to the court, his strong on-court chemistry with LeBron, and his valuable contributions to the team, Howard moved to the Philadelphia 76ers the following season. The reasons behind his departure sparked numerous rumors, but Howard has now opened up about the real reason for his exit.

In a recent episode of his podcast About The Rim with DH12, Howard shared the story behind his departure after securing the championship. According to Howard, it wasn’t his performance that led to the breakup; rather, it was a confrontation during a game involving LeBron.

“It happened after we won the championship,” Howard recalled. “We were on defense, and I said, ‘Yo, you got to get back.’ LeBron got upset because of what I said, and I told him, ‘Yo, stop acting like a b***, man.’“ This exchange, Howard revealed, was the catalyst for his exit from Los Angeles in 2020.

Howard’s feelings regarding the Lakers decision

Back in 2024, former Lakers player Dwight Howard opened up about his relationship with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss during an episode of his podcast. Reflecting on the decision that led to his departure, Howard shared that he asked Buss for another opportunity, and she granted it to him in 2022.

However, after being let go by the Lakers, Howard expressed feelings of hurt over the situation. “I was hurt because I felt like the team we had was going to come back together,” Howard explained. “I thought I had done something wrong, and JaVale [McGee] as well. I wish we could’ve had the chance to run it back.”

At the time, Howard had expected a strong final season with the Lakers in 2022, but that opportunity never came to fruition. After leaving the team, he went on to play in another league before ultimately deciding to retire from professional basketball.

Howard’s induction to the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame

In recent days, Howard received some exciting news from the Orlando Magic, as the franchise announced his upcoming induction into their Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions during his early years with the team. The ceremony will take place at the end of March, marking a special moment for both Howard and the organization.

During his time with the Magic from 2004 to 2012, Howard played 621 games, averaging 18.4 points and 13 rebounds per game. He also led the team to five playoff appearances during his tenure.

During a recent appearance on Podcast P, Howard was asked to weigh in on a list compiled by Fox Sports that sparked controversy due to several notable omissions. Without hesitation, he named some of his favorites. “Vince Carter has to be in that list, Dominique Wilkins has to be in that list,” the 39-year-old star stated.

“You gotta have Michael Jordan, you gotta have Shaquille O’Neal, you gotta have Darryl Dawkins, you gotta have Shawn Kemp in there,” he continued, mentioning a mix of NBA legends and others widely respected for their dunking prowess, even if they did not achieve the same level of fame.

“Stromile Swift is one of the best dunkers, he didn’t get mentioned, Amare Stoudemire,” added the champion with the Lakers in the 2019-20 season. And he also referred to himself: “Me, I’m top 10.”

Howard praises Shaquille O’Neal

The debate started after Fox Sports published a list of the greatest dunkers of all time, which sparked discussions about certain absences. The list included Vince Carter, Julius Erving, Dominique Wilkins, Blake Griffin, Michael Jordan, Shawn Kemp, LeBron James, Jason Richardson, Darryl Dawkins, and Zion Williamson in the top ten, while Russell Westbrook, Josh Smith, DeAndre Jordan, Tracy McGrady, Gerald Green, Anthony Edwards, Kobe Bryant, Zach LaVine, and Ja Morant were named honorable mentions.

“For me and Shaq not to be in Fox Sports’ list…” Howard said, clearly disappointed by the omission. However, he quickly shifted to praising the impact Shaquille O’Neal had on the game. “Shaq, he’s dunking on everybody, breaking rims, so I just believe if you’re gonna have the best dunkers, you gotta have these guys in it,” he emphasized.

Howard makes something clear about dunks

As the discussion deepened, Dwight Howard made a crucial distinction about what it takes to be considered a top dunker. He explained that performing dunks during actual games holds a different weight than dunking in exhibitions or contests.

“If you want to talk about the best dunkers in the league, you gotta put the people that dunk all the time on people in there,” Howard explained. “Now, if you want to talk about dunk contest dunkers? That’s a totally different thing.”

While many assumed the bad blood began after Howard’s NBA career ended, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year clarified that the tension dates back to his time with the Orlando Magic.

“I have no idea where it came from,” Howard shared during an appearance on 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony. “I’ve seen stuff since I was in Orlando about me trying to take Superman or things like that”.

Howard went on to explain that his “Superman” nickname had nothing to do with copying O’Neal. “But the Superman for me came from all the things I did in the community, me jumping over teammates, me doing stuff in the weight room,” Howard explained. “All these different things was why they was calling me Superman. It wasn’t because I went around boasting about being Superman“.

Howard tried to end the feud

During an appearance on The GAUDs Show, Howard spoke about his efforts to squash the beef with O’Neal. “Never disrespected him,” Howard said. “But he’s always had something to say. There’s times where I’ve gotten upset and I’m like, ‘Yo, Shaq, this gotta stop, man.’ I tried to [talk to him].”

However, their feud didn’t end there. O’Neal fired back with a pointed response on X (formerly Twitter), where he had the final word. “You need the sit down, u need my validation, I don’t need yours. How will you be remembered? Think about that podcast boy. I have an empire to run. Now leave me, son,” O’Neal wrote.

O’Neal announces he’s done critiquing centers

In a surprising move, O’Neal declared he would stop critiquing modern-day centers. During an episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, the Hall of Famer explained his decision.

“Should I stop talking about all the big men? They get sensitive,” O’Neal admitted. “I don’t care about that, but I don’t like going back-and-forth”. He also announced the end of his self-created “Big Man Alliance,” a concept he introduced to celebrate the league’s top centers. “I’m done. I’mma have to turn it over. I’m taking it with me—the Big Man Alliance is no more,” he declared.

In a recent interview on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast with Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard reflected on his time playing with Harden on the Houston Rockets. “I thought me and James was gonna work because I felt he was younger Kobe with better passing as far as pick-and-roll,” he explained.

Given Howard’s background, he had ample experience to make that comparison. After a successful stint with the Orlando Magic from 2004 to 2012, Dwight joined the Lakers for the 2012-2013 season to play alongside Kobe Bryant. However, after just one season, he chose to leave. “At the time, me and Kobe going at it, ‘I don’t think this is gonna work out. I might as well go somewhere else with a younger team, team more my age,’” he said.

In 2013, Dwight signed with the Rockets, where he was paired with Harden, who had been one of the league’s most exciting young stars since joining Houston the previous year. Howard quickly recognized Harden’s unique abilities and the skills that made him a special player. “(Harden) can score, throw great lobs, pocket passer, that’s perfect for me,” he recalled thinking at the time.

“I did like playing with James the first couple of years,” Howard continued. However, their relationship took a turn. “Then after that, I was like, ‘Damn, this (expletive) don’t pass me the ball,” he said, explaining that this frustration contributed to his departure in 2016 to join the Atlanta Hawks.

Dwight Howard’s relationship with Kobe Bryant

Reflecting on his first stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dwight Howard made it clear that his relationship with Kobe Bryant was far from ideal. To illustrate the tension, he recounted a story from the 2013 All-Star Weekend in Texas. “Man, we flew together. We were on the same plane, and we didn’t even talk,” Howard said.

“I’m like, ‘Yo, my guy, it’s just me and you. We can’t even speak to each other?’ I’m like, ‘Nah, this ain’t right.’ It felt like a movie. It ain’t right. I’m saying, Kobe—this ain’t right. What’s going on? For real, like—he knew we were teammates,” he added.

According to Howard, the tension continued when the two arrived at the locker room. “Then when we got to the lockers, me and him were supposed to be next to each other because they put all the teammates together. But he’s over here, and I’m like, ‘Yo, this is crazy.’ I didn’t know what was going on,” he said.

Howard’s return to Los Angeles post-Kobe

Dwight Howard would eventually leave the Lakers and play for several NBA teams. However, after Kobe Bryant’s retirement in 2016, Howard returned to Los Angeles for two more stints. His most significant return came in the 2019-2020 season when he won his only NBA title with the Lakers, a team led by LeBron James. Howard had another brief stint with the team in 2021-2022 before announcing his retirement in 2023, marking the end of his illustrious NBA career.

Butler’s suspension—the third in a short span—came after he reportedly walked out of practice upon learning he would not be starting against the Orlando Magic. The incident seems to have marked the end of his tenure in Miami.

While Butler’s desire to leave the Heat is clear, Howard argues that the way things are playing out is damaging to the league’s reputation. “I think it’s just bad. It’s just bad for the young guys to see. It’s bad for the NBA. We don’t need this type of attention, right?” Howard said on the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast with Carmelo Anthony.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year also suggested that Butler’s behavior might make other teams hesitant to invest in him, worrying he might repeat such actions. “I don’t think this is the right way to get another contract,” Howard explained.

“As good as he is, who’s going to invest if they know that this could possibly end up in that same type of situation at the end of that contract?” he added. “Is he going to do the same thing he did with this team?”

Howard wouldn’t sign Butler as a GM

While numerous teams have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Butler, Howard made it clear that if he were an NBA general manager, he would steer clear of signing the All-Star. “He’s a great player, but I think he’s also—you know, he’s had some situations,” Howard said.

“I don’t know anything personally about him, so I can’t speak on that,” he added. “But from the stuff that I’m seeing and what’s going on, I probably, as a GM, wouldn’t sign him unless we had a conversation”.

What’s next for Butler?

Although many teams have been linked to Butler, his destination remains uncertain. Reports suggested he was interested in joining the Phoenix Suns, but complications with Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause have made that move unlikely unless Beal agrees to waive it—something he reportedly has no intention of doing.

Another rumored destination is the Golden State Warriors. However, according to Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor, both Stephen Curry and head coach Steve Kerr have reservations about Butler’s fit with the team.

“My league sources say Stephen Curry specifically has concerns about Jimmy Butler’s fit in the Warriors locker room, and Steve Kerr shares those feelings,” O’Connor said on The Kevin O’Connor Show.

While Butler’s future in Miami is undoubtedly over, his next chapter remains uncertain. What’s clear is that the Heat will move him before the trade deadline, as his relationship with the franchise appears irreparably damaged.

In August 2024, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year declared that, in his view, the greatest player in NBA history is none other than Lakers icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

“My personal GOAT Kareem Abdul-Jabbar… He got the greatest stat line probably, and he should be the greatest with all the stuff he got,” Howard explained. “He won at every level, first of all, he won with two different names, didn’t he? He was the greatest Lew Alcindor in the world then changed his name to Kareem Abdul Jabbar”.

Abdul-Jabbar, originally known as Lew Alcindor, played under that name during his first two NBA seasons before changing it in late 1971. After spending six seasons and winning a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks, he was traded to the Lakers, where he became the cornerstone of the franchise alongside Magic Johnson. Together, they captured five NBA championships during their time in Los Angeles.

In addition to his six regular-season MVP awards (the most in NBA history), Abdul-Jabbar retired as the league’s all-time leading scorer and minutes leader—records that stood until LeBron James surpassed them.

Howard’s take on the GOAT debate

Howard’s choice of Abdul-Jabbar as the GOAT may stem from their shared position on the court. As a big man himself, Howard has previously voiced frustration over the lack of representation for NBA centers in the GOAT debate.

“Why is no big man ever put in this category?” Howard asked during an appearance on My Expert Opinion in 2023. “OK for Kareem to score thirty-eight thousand or something points without threes, you don’t think that’s hard?”

He elaborated on the unique challenges faced by big men. “Even though the basket is right there, it is harder to get to the rim because you are playing against people that’s big too… and they are blocking off the paint. It is not just that easy, so I feel like it would be harder to score in the paint,” Howard added.

With Howard’s perspective, the GOAT debate gets a fresh twist, highlighting the dominance and contributions of players who may not fit into the usual narrative.

The tension dates back to the 2008 All-Star Weekend when Howard, then with the Orlando Magic, donned a Superman cape during the Dunk Contest. While fans embraced the homage, O’Neal didn’t share the sentiment, feeling his iconic nickname had been co-opted. “Superman is still mine,” O’Neal said at the time. “He [Howard] has to do something first to be called Superman. Anyone can win a slam-dunk contest”.

Since then, the animosity has lingered. In a recent appearance on The GAUDs Show, Howard opened up about his attempts to mend fences with O’Neal. “Never disrespected him,” Howard said. “But he’s always had something to say. There’s times where I’ve gotten upset and I’m like, ‘Yo, Shaq, this gotta stop, man.’ I tried to [talk to him]”.

O’Neal wasn’t having it. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the four-time NBA champion fired back with a post dripping with sarcasm: “@DwightHoward the fact u think I care about u is funny, but I won’t ever bring your name up again sensitive big man, a jokester that can’t take a joke,” O’Neal wrote. “Won’t ever say your name again ever again. Have a great day and now u have been deleted. Have a great day.”

Howard claps back at Shaq

Refusing to let it slide, Howard delivered a sharp response, taking aim at O’Neal’s age and persistence. “I know you care… I hope you don’t bring my name up again. 52 years old tweeting me…. It’s 2025, grow the hell up and move on,” Howard wrote, signaling his frustration.

O’Neal gets the last word

As expected, Shaq had to have the final say. In a lengthy and pointed retort, O’Neal made his stance clear, downplaying Howard’s legacy while emphasizing his own.

“Still don’t care, nice move I see what you doing, your legacy is your new podcast that’s how u will be remembered and u need views, dam I taught you well, great job hall of fame podcaster. But still don’t care. You need the sit down, u need my validation, I don’t need yours. How will you be remembered? Think about that podcast boy. I have an empire to run. Now leave me, son,” O’Neal wrote.

While it remains to be seen if this truly marks the end of the back-and-forth, one thing is clear: neither O’Neal nor Howard is willing to back down easily.

In a video shared on social media, Dwight Howard expressed his disbelief over the trade. “D-Lo went to the Nets. What’s going on NBA? What’s going on Lakers?” he began, clearly questioning the decision. “They traded D-Lo for Finney-Smith?” he added, showing his disagreement with the Lakers’ choice.

Howard wasted no time in pointing the finger at LeBron James. “LeGM made the decision,” he said, cleverly combining James’ name with the initials for General Manager. “LeGM said it’s enough D-Lo. Let me be the GM. They just be doing anything.”

Howard’s comments are far from casual. He clearly believes that LeBron has an outsized influence on team decisions—so much so that he’s essentially taking on the role of the team’s general manager, determining which players should stay and which should go.

Dwight Howard’s insight

Beyond the debate over the trade’s validity and whether the new acquisitions will help the Lakers in the short term, Dwight Howard’s opinion carries weight when it comes to what happens inside the franchise. Over the course of his 18-year NBA career, Howard played for the Lakers during three separate stints.

His first tenure with the team was between 2012 and 2013, before he returned in 2019 and again in 2021. During his last two stints, Howard played alongside LeBron James, giving him a unique perspective on the daily workings of the team and firsthand insight into the superstar’s influence. If Howard is suggesting that LeBron has significant sway over team decisions, it’s likely because of what he witnessed up close during his time in Los Angeles.

The real test for the Lakers

As with any trade, the ultimate judgment will be made on the court. The Lakers’ upcoming game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night will be the first opportunity to see how Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton fit into the roster. Their performances will provide a clearer picture of whether the trade was the right move for the franchise.