One of the biggest dreams for any NBA player is getting the chance to play alongside the greatest in league history. Dwight Howard had that opportunity, sharing the court with both <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> and Kobe Bryant. Comparisons between the two legends are inevitable, but Howard chose to focus on something else entirely.



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.



<h2>Howard picks between Kobe and LeBron</h2>



When pressed to choose who he believes is the better player, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwight-howard">Howard</a> 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.”



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Dwight Howard explains the difference between Kobe and LeBron: “Kobe an a**hole… he don’t give a f***. Bron give a f***— he want everybody to like him… I just think they two ends of the spectrum.” (via <a href="https://twitter.com/club520podcast?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@club520podcast</a>, h/t <a href="https://twitter.com/Fullcourtpass?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Fullcourtpass</a>) <a href="https://t.co/XH2aF4kVBB">pic.twitter.com/XH2aF4kVBB</a>— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/LegionHoops/status/1965599161321193944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



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.


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<h2>Why the comparison might be unfair</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant">Bryant</a>’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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a>.

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Dwight Howard was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame for his brilliant career and as one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. Hall of Fame inductees Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony headline the 2025 class, and during his speech, Howard revealed his pick for the NBA GOAT—surprisingly, it was neither <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> nor Michael Jordan.



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.”



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="486995" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250907_BUS_487687_LeBron-James_18903bd8.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Lakers&apos; LeBron James" class="wp-image-486995" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers.</figcaption></figure>
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<h2>Why Kareem is the GOAT for Dwight Howard</h2>



Howard’s argument for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kareem-abdul--jabbar">Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</a> 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.


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This duality of success is what separates Kareem from Michael Jordan and LeBron James in Howard’s mind. While <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Jordan</a> 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.



<h2>Howard names his favorite players</h2>



Beyond Kareem, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwight-howard">Howard</a> 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.


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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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> 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.”

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Among the countless debates that dominate NBA discourse—ranging from the greatest player to the best shooter or the top performer at each position—one topic rarely gets the attention it deserves: the greatest dunkers in league history. Former teammate of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">Lebron James</a> in Los Angeles Lakers, center and NBA champion Dwight Howard recently weighed in on the discussion by naming his top five dunkers of all time.



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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> 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.



<h2>Notable omissions from Howard’s list</h2>



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.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="344309" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250622_BUS_424206_Howard-1_44f0ed00.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-344309" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215718/Howard-1.jpg 1920w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215718/Howard-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215718/Howard-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215718/Howard-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215718/Howard-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215718/Howard-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215718/Howard-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215718/Howard-1-250x140.jpg 250w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Chase Center on April 07, 2022 in San Francisco, California.</figcaption></figure>
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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.


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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwight-howard">Howard</a>’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.

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The last time the Los Angeles Lakers won an NBA championship was in 2020. With the world grappling with the pandemic, it was a unique and challenging time, but the Lakers seized the moment and emerged as champions. At the heart of that success was future Hall of Famer Dwight Howard, who played alongside <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a>. However, following that victory, Howard’s relationship with the team took an unexpected turn.



Despite the energy he brought to the court, his strong on-court chemistry with LeBron, and his valuable contributions to the team, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwight-howard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Howard</a> 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.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250312_BUS_353761_Howard-1024x576_60b70503.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-344308" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215321/Howard-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215321/Howard-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215321/Howard-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215321/Howard-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215321/Howard-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215321/Howard-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215321/Howard-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215321/Howard.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dwight Howard playing with the Los Angeles Lakers on March 03, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Howard’s feelings regarding the Lakers decision</h2>



Back in 2024, former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lakers</a> 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.


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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.



<h2>Howard’s induction to the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame</h2>



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.

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Throughout <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> history, many players have made their mark with jaw-dropping dunks, each showcasing unique styles and earning varying degrees of recognition. Now, Dwight Howard, the former Los Angeles Lakers center, has shared his thoughts on who should make the all-time top-ten list.



During a recent appearance on Podcast P, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwight-howard">Howard</a> 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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Lakers</a> in the 2019-20 season. And he also referred to himself: “Me, I’m top 10.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250226_BUS_344307_Howard-1-1024x576_018029df.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-344309" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215718/Howard-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215718/Howard-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215718/Howard-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215718/Howard-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215718/Howard-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215718/Howard-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215718/Howard-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25215718/Howard-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Chase Center on April 07, 2022 in San Francisco, California.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Howard praises Shaquille O’Neal</h2>



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.


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“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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/shaquille-oneal">Shaquille O’Neal</a> 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.



<h2>Howard makes something clear about dunks</h2>



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.”

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The ongoing beef between <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/shaquille-oneal">Shaquille O’Neal</a> and Dwight Howard is one of the NBA’s most talked-about rivalries. The two former Los Angeles Lakers stars have exchanged jabs over the years, and Howard recently revealed the origins of their feud with the four-time NBA champion.



While many assumed the bad blood began after Howard’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> 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,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwight-howard">Howard</a> 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“.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250209_BUS_331165_dwight-howard-2-1024x576_2643506c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-331174" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/08190204/dwight-howard-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/08190204/dwight-howard-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/08190204/dwight-howard-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/08190204/dwight-howard-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/08190204/dwight-howard-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/08190204/dwight-howard-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/08190204/dwight-howard-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/08190204/dwight-howard-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic emerges from a phone booth wearing a Superman cape during the 2009 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Howard tried to end the feud</h2>



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].”


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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.



<h2>O’Neal announces he’s done critiquing centers</h2>



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.

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Kobe Bryant was a dominant figure in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en">NBA</a> for more than 20 years. His impact on the league was so profound that he is often included in the GOAT conversation alongside legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. However, a former NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, believes that James Harden surpasses Bryant in one specific aspect of basketball.



In a recent interview on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast with Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard reflected on his time playing with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden">Harden</a> 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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant">Kobe Bryant</a>. 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, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwight-howard">Dwight</a> 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.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250201_BUS_325670_Howard-Harden-1024x576_331d1672.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-325689" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/31192739/Howard-Harden-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/31192739/Howard-Harden-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/31192739/Howard-Harden-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/31192739/Howard-Harden-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/31192739/Howard-Harden-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/31192739/Howard-Harden-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/31192739/Howard-Harden-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/31192739/Howard-Harden.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dwight Howard #12 and James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets on December 21, 2015 in Houston, Texas.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Dwight Howard’s relationship with Kobe Bryant</h2>



Reflecting on his first stint with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, 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.


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<h2>Howard’s return to Los Angeles post-Kobe</h2>



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.

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The ongoing saga between the Miami Heat and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a> has been one of the most talked-about stories this trade season. With the trade deadline approaching and Butler recently suspended by the Heat, the franchise announced plans to explore trade options for the six-time All-Star. As the drama unfolds, former Los Angeles Lakers champion Dwight Howard shared his concerns about how the situation reflects on the NBA.



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, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwight-howard">Howard</a> 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. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250131_BUS_325504_jimmy-butler-7-1-1024x576_d9906498.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-325523" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/31160722/jimmy-butler-7-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/31160722/jimmy-butler-7-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/31160722/jimmy-butler-7-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/31160722/jimmy-butler-7-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/31160722/jimmy-butler-7-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/31160722/jimmy-butler-7-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/31160722/jimmy-butler-7-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/31160722/jimmy-butler-7-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat dribbles against Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half in Game Two of the 2020 NBA Finals. (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



“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?”


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<h2>Howard wouldn’t sign Butler as a GM</h2>



While numerous teams have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Butler, Howard made it clear that if he were an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> 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”.



<h2>What’s next for Butler?</h2>



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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Heat</a> will move him before the trade deadline, as his relationship with the franchise appears irreparably damaged.

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Former champion with the  Lakers claims the Jimmy Butler and Miami Heat saga damage the NBA

When fans and analysts debate the greatest player in NBA history, the discussion typically narrows to two legendary names: Michael Jordan and LeBron James. However, not everyone shares this opinion. Former Los Angeles Lakers champion <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwight-howard">Dwight Howard</a> offered a different perspective, naming someone outside of that familiar duo as his pick for the greatest player ever.



In August 2024, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year declared that, in his view, the greatest player in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> 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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Lakers</a>, where he became the cornerstone of the franchise alongside Magic Johnson. Together, they captured five NBA championships during their time in Los Angeles.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250128_BUS_323638_kareem-abdul-jabbar-2-1024x576_78e2abc8.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-323641" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28184918/kareem-abdul-jabbar-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28184918/kareem-abdul-jabbar-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28184918/kareem-abdul-jabbar-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28184918/kareem-abdul-jabbar-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28184918/kareem-abdul-jabbar-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28184918/kareem-abdul-jabbar-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28184918/kareem-abdul-jabbar-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/28184918/kareem-abdul-jabbar-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of the Los Angeles Lakers sinks the ball during a game. (Mike Powell /Allsport/ Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



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.


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<h2>Howard’s take on the GOAT debate</h2>



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.

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The bad blood between Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard is one of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a>’s most enduring rivalries. The two former Los Angeles Lakers have clashed on multiple occasions over the years, with the most recent spat reigniting on social media, suggesting the feud is far from over.



The tension dates back to the 2008 All-Star Weekend when <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwight-howard">Howard</a>, 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.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250108_BUS_308363_shaq-oneal-1-1024x576_a250c16e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-308366" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/07195706/shaq-oneal-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/07195706/shaq-oneal-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/07195706/shaq-oneal-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/07195706/shaq-oneal-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/07195706/shaq-oneal-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/07195706/shaq-oneal-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/07195706/shaq-oneal-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/07195706/shaq-oneal-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic drives against Shaquille O’Neal #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Amway Arena on February 21, 2010. (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Howard claps back at Shaq</h2>



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.


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<h2>O’Neal gets the last word</h2>



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.

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Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal fires back at Dwight Howard in a never-ending feud

The Los Angeles Lakers‘ recent struggles led to the belief that the team needed a shakeup to improve its performance for the 2024-25 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> season. In a surprising move, they traded D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. However, the deal has drawn criticism, with a former Lakers player placing the blame squarely on LeBron James, even giving him a new nickname.



In a video shared on social media, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwight-howard">Dwight Howard</a> 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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a>. “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.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241231_BUS_304327_Dwight-Howard-Lakers-1024x576_7f76b236.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-304335" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31175437/Dwight-Howard-Lakers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31175437/Dwight-Howard-Lakers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31175437/Dwight-Howard-Lakers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31175437/Dwight-Howard-Lakers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31175437/Dwight-Howard-Lakers-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31175437/Dwight-Howard-Lakers-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31175437/Dwight-Howard-Lakers-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31175437/Dwight-Howard-Lakers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Los Angeles Lakers Center Dwight Howard (39) looks on before an NBA game.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Dwight Howard’s insight</h2>



Beyond the debate over the trade’s validity and whether the new acquisitions will help the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Lakers</a> 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.


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<h2>The real test for the Lakers</h2>



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.

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Shaquille O’Neal, widely regarded by many as the greatest center in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> history, dominated basketball for years with his unparalleled presence on the court. Now retired at 52, O’Neal found himself the subject of an unexpected challenge from a former Los Angeles Lakers player, who proposed a boxing match in the style of the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul spectacle. However, Shaq dismissed the offer with a sharp response, opting instead for a hypothetical showdown against NFL legend Rob Gronkowski.



“Shaq, wassup? Let’s make bread,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwight-howard">Dwight Howard</a> wrote on X (formerly Twitter), accompanying his message with a boxing glove emoji and a laughing face, playfully challenging Shaquille to a duel. While the tone of Howard’s message suggested it was a joke, Shaq’s response took many by surprise.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/shaquille-oneal">O’Neal</a> dismissed the challenge with a cutting remark. “Gotta have more than one ring to get in the ring with me. I’ll stick with a real champion like Rob Gronkowski,” he replied, taking a jab at Howard’s NBA career and suggesting he wasn’t a worthy opponent.



The mention of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/rob-gronkowski">Rob Gronkowski</a> was no coincidence. Shaq and the former New England Patriots tight end had crossed paths during the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight, where Gronkowski floated the idea of a boxing showdown between the two legends, pitting the NBA against the NFL.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241119_BUS_276126_Rob-Gronkowski-1-1024x576_1f19f6d4.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Rob Gronkowski" class="wp-image-242698" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Rob-Gronkowski-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Rob-Gronkowski-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Rob-Gronkowski-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Rob-Gronkowski-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Rob-Gronkowski-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots looks on in the first half against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 24, 2016 in Denver, Colorado.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Shaquille O’Neal leans on his NBA legacy</h2>



While the exchange between Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard carried a playful tone, O’Neal’s response wasn’t entirely baseless. Shaq highlighted his four NBA championship rings—three consecutive titles with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> and one with the Miami Heat—as the benchmark for selecting a potential boxing rival.



In contrast, Dwight Howard, despite an impressive nearly 20-year NBA career, doesn’t quite measure up to O’Neal’s legacy. The biggest difference lies in their championship resumes: Howard has just one title, won with the Lakers in 2020, where his role was far less significant compared to Shaq’s dominance during his prime.


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<h2>Gronkowski meets the standard</h2>



Unlike Howard, Rob Gronkowski fits the criteria Shaq values in a potential opponent. The former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> tight end is a four-time Super Bowl champion, winning in 2014, 2017, and 2018 with the New England Patriots, and again in 2020 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His decorated NFL career mirrors O’Neal’s dominance in the NBA, making him an opponent Shaq deems worthy.



Despite the entertaining back-and-forth, the idea of Shaq stepping into the boxing ring remains firmly hypothetical. Still, the thought of a 7’1″ O’Neal facing off against the 6’6″ Gronkowski is an intriguing spectacle fans would love to see.

NBA News: Shaq O’Neal snubs former Lakers player, picks NFL legend Rob Gronkowski as boxing rival

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NBA News: Shaquille O&#039;Neal reveals his real opinion on former Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant

NBA News: Shaq O'Neal snubs former Lakers player, picks NFL legend Rob Gronkowski as boxing rival - Bolavip US

The debate over the greatest basketball player of all time often centers on two legendary figures: LeBron James and Michael Jordan. However, there are other players who deserve consideration in the GOAT conversation, and one name that frequently comes up is the late <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant">Kobe Bryant</a>. Former NBA star Dwight Howard recently added fuel to the debate by claiming that the “Black Mamba” was better than Jordan.



In 2012, Bryant and Howard teamed up for the first time on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, joining forces as two of the league’s top players. The pairing came with high expectations, but the duo fell short of delivering on the court. “It was tough playing with Kobe,” Howard admitted. “Everyone expected us to be the next Kobe and Shaq, but I didn’t even want to go to the Lakers.”



During an appearance on the “Gil’s Arena” podcast, hosted by former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, Howard doubled down on his belief that Bryant was superior to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Jordan</a>. “I think Kobe [Bryant is] better than [Michael Jordan] skill-wise. He took everything Jordan did and multiplied it. He did it better,” Howard stated.



Arenas quickly pushed back, arguing that Kobe wasn’t on Jordan’s level during his prime years between 1983 and 1993. But <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwight-howard">Howard</a> contended that the version of Jordan Bryant was able to emulate and improve upon was the one who played during his second stint with the Lakers from 1995 to 1998, suggesting that Jordan’s early career wasn’t as dominant.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240901_BUS_227981_kobe-bryant-1-1024x576_4c642ee8.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-227995" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/kobe-bryant-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/kobe-bryant-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/kobe-bryant-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/kobe-bryant-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/kobe-bryant-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dwight Howard #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers is congratulated by teammate Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers against the Boston Celtics. Jared Wickerham/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Dwight Howard blames Rob Pelinka for breaking up 2020 Lakers team</h2>



Dwight Howard took a shot at Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka, blaming him for dismantling the 2020 championship–winning team led by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a>. Speaking on his podcast, “Above The Rim with DH12,” Howard expressed his frustration, suggesting that if the team had stayed together, they could have won another title.


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“After we won, they started tweaking the roster,” Howard said. “I’mma tell you who it was – Rob Pelinka, man. God, Rob, why did you do that to us, man? Rob, come on, man.”



Howard continued, “I still love you, Rob, but dang, man. We had the squad, bro. Even if we ran it back, we could have run it back. We would have been healthier for the next year.” His comments reflect the sentiments of many Lakers fans who believe the team’s potential for a repeat was derailed by unnecessary changes to the roster.


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Former LeBron James teammate on Lakers claims Kobe Bryant was better than Michael Jordan

Former LeBron James teammate on Lakers claims Kobe Bryant was better than Michael Jordan - Bolavip US

Dwight Howard has the privilege of playing with two of the greatest players in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> history, although with different results. His first stint with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> wasn’t exactly a good one, but he came back later in his career and got the job done.



The former All-Star big man crashed heads with Kobe Bryant, leaving as a free agent after just one season. Then, he bounced around the league after leaving the Houston Rockets, and had to come back to salvage his career in L.A.



That time, he shared the floor with<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james"> LeBron James</a>, and while he wasn’t a star anymore, he still played a big role in a championship win. With that in mind, he took some time to compare both stars.



<h2>Dwight Howard Compares Kobe And LeBron</h2>



“They have this presence, and when Kobe walks into the room or LeBron walks into the room, their presence is there and you can feel it,” Howard said on The OGs Podcast. “Kobe was more so like a silent killer. He didn’t really talk too much. LeBron loves to have fun, he wants to make jokes, but when he gets on the court you know he can turn that switch, it’s crazy to watch.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240509_BUS_124943_Dwight-Howard-1-1024x576_f72d5a6f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-67002" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Dwight-Howard-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Dwight-Howard-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Dwight-Howard-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Dwight-Howard-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Dwight-Howard-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dwight Howard</figcaption></figure>



Howard later pointed out their demeanor and how they took different approaches when they were on the court, with LeBron being more of a strategist, and Kobe being a stronger presence:



“The mental aspect of it, LeBron is doing all the plays he’s like the coach, and Kobe’s like give me the ball and I’m going to handle it, and I think those are the two differences,” Howard continued.



<h2>Howard Didn’t Want To Play For The Lakers</h2>



Ironically, Howard never even wanted to take his talents to Southern California. Apparently, he told the Orlando Magic that he didn’t want to be traded there to begin with:



“At the time, I had actually told the Magic the one place I didn’t want to go was the Lakers,” Howard admitted. “It was no offense to the Lakers fans or anything like that but we had just lost in the finals to the Lakers and I’m like man, I want to beat Kobe. I want to beat the Lakers, not go join the Lakers.”






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That’s just how things work out in this business at times. And while he didn’t find much success in his first stint, he was able to redeem himself and walk away with the championship he always deserved.


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LeBron James or Kobe Bryant? Lakers star reveals their biggest difference

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NBA: Dwight Howard reveals the biggest difference between LeBron and Kobe - Bolavip US

Former teammate reveals the difference between Kobe and LeBron

Dwight Howard reveals the biggest difference between LeBron and Kobe

Former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/orlando-magic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando Magic </a>and<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Los Angeles Lakers</a> star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwight-howard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dwight Howard </a>is facing some strong accusations right now. Months after the news broke of him having an alleged sexual encounter with a man he met on Instagram, the said man is now suing him for alleged sexual assault and battery.



The man, named Stephen Harper, claims that what started as a consensual virtual relationship in which they exchanged texts, pictures, and videos of sexual and explicit nature took a sudden turn upon meeting the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> champion.



Per court documents, Howard surprised Harper by bringing out another man dressed as a woman, forcing him to have a threesome with him. Howard hasn’t made any public comments about the matter, but he did share a video on TikTok mocking his haters because of this.



Now, one of Howard’s attorneys, Justin Bailey, talked to ESPN about the situation. He confirmed that his client indeed had an encounter with Harper, but stated that it was all consensual.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Dwight Howard responds to the haters <a href="https://t.co/l7eX7MeljK">pic.twitter.com/l7eX7MeljK</a>— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1717344784912658756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Dwight Howard’s Attorney Says It Was All Consensual</h2>



“What was a private consensual encounter was made public for profit and Mr. Howard looks forward to bringing the truth to light in a court of law,” Bailey said. “The allegations against Mr. Howard are contested. Mr. Howard intends to present the truth. The truth is Mr. Howard blocked Mr. Harper on social media and then was confronted with two options — pay to protect his reputation or have a fabricated story made public.” 



The attorney states that Harper is only looking for profit, which is why the former Defensive Player of the Year didn’t hesitate teo trust the justice system, even knowing how this could affect his reputation:



“Despite being an easy target due to the subject matter and his status as a celebrity, Mr. Howard chose to trust in the justice system and will rely on all future court filings to speak for themselves,” he added.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231026_BUS_80365_Dwight-Howard-1-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-67002" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Dwight-Howard-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Dwight-Howard-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Dwight-Howard-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Dwight-Howard-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Dwight-Howard-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Dwight Howard</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Stephen A. Smith Claims NBA Teams Knew About This</h2>



Howard had been trying to get back to the NBA, and he even worked out with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a>, among other teams. That’s why ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith believes that they didn’t sign him, as they may have known about these accusations:



“That’s why teams didn’t want you,” Smith said on his podcast. “Whether they would admit it or not, and I’m not going to mention teams because I don’t want to incriminate anybody or accuse anybody or something I simply don’t know, I’m guessing. But I’m saying is – that’s the first thought that came to my mind: that’s why they don’t want him.”


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At the end of the day, Howard has every right to do whatever he pleases in the confines of his bedroom — as long as it’s all consensual. His reputation around the league had already taken multiple hits throughout the course of his career, but it had nothing to do with his sexuality. For now, it seems like we’ll just have to wait and see how this delicate situation unfolds.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="653aa822f2b571abd7e4643b" data-title="Will Howard make it back to the NBA?" data-options="2"></div>

Dwight Howard's attorney sheds light on latest accusations

Dwight Howard's attorney sheds light on latest accusations - Bolavip US

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