Dwight Howard Declares Permanent Boycott of the Lakers: A New Low in NBA Drama

Dwight Howard, once a cornerstone of the Lakers’ championship run in 2020, has taken his war of words to a new level by publicly announcing that he will never return to the Lakers. Howard’s fiery declaration comes on the heels of a blockbuster trade that saw the Lakers send D’Angelo Russell, Max Christie, and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and De’Anthony Melton. In a biting comment, Howard quipped, “This is LeGM’s decision; he’s done with Russell.”

Such a remark not only underscores Howard’s strained relationship with LeBron James but also highlights his ongoing bitterness toward the franchise that helped him win his first and only NBA championship. Howard, however, appears to have no intention of letting the Lakers write him off first, boldly stating, “Before the Lakers can blacklist me, I’ll do it myself.”

A Championship Contributor or a Passenger?

Howard’s contributions to the Lakers’ 2020 title run have been a subject of debate ever since Shaquille O’Neal dismissed him as a “passenger” on the championship train. The comments reignited an already tense rivalry between the two former Lakers big men, with Howard firing back by calling Shaq “a big clown” and doubling down on his stance of severing ties with the Lakers forever.

But was Howard merely a passenger? The numbers paint a different story. In the 2020 Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets, Howard was instrumental in neutralizing Nikola Jokic, one of the league’s most dynamic big men. When Howard and Jokic shared the floor during that series, the Nuggets’ offensive efficiency plummeted to 101.7, while their defensive efficiency soared to 128.1, resulting in a staggering net rating of -26.4.

In stark contrast, when Howard wasn’t on the court, Denver’s offensive efficiency rose to 118.6, and their defensive efficiency stabilized at 115.8, yielding a positive net rating of +2.8. The Lakers won the series 4-1, largely due to their ability to contain Jokic, who averaged just 21.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5 assists per game—significantly down from his playoff averages of 26.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in the first round, and 24.4 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in the second round.

Simply put, Howard’s defensive tenacity played a crucial role in helping the Lakers secure the Western Conference crown and, ultimately, the NBA championship. To dismiss him as a mere passenger is to ignore the invaluable impact he had during that historic playoff run.

Howard vs. LeBron: Broken Bonds

Howard’s recent comments suggest that his relationship with LeBron James is beyond repair. Despite sharing two stints as teammates during the 2019-20 and 2021-22 seasons, the camaraderie appears to have evaporated. The dynamic between Howard and James seemed professional on the surface, but underlying tensions may have been bubbling all along.

LeBron’s role as the unofficial general manager—or “LeGM”—of the Lakers has long been a talking point in NBA circles, and Howard’s jab at LeBron’s influence over the roster underscores just how fractured their relationship has become. Howard’s public comments, however, seem less like a calculated critique and more like an unfiltered outburst from a man whose career is stuck in neutral.

A Life Off the Court

As of now, Howard finds himself without an NBA job, facing the daunting task of providing for at least five children. It’s a stark contrast to his days as a dominant force in the league. Howard has taken to podcasting, where his unfiltered commentary often grabs headlines, though it’s hard to ignore the underlying desperation for relevance and financial stability.

Howard’s decision to vent his frustrations publicly may seem like a cry for attention, but it also highlights the immense pressure he faces. While his remarks often border on the outrageous, they are perhaps a calculated move to maintain a public profile in an increasingly crowded media landscape.

Shaq vs. Dwight: The Never-Ending Feud

The rivalry between Howard and Shaquille O’Neal is one of the NBA’s most peculiar grudges. Shaq, a four-time champion and Hall of Famer, has consistently belittled Howard’s achievements, while Howard has fired back with equal vitriol. The feud has become a spectacle in itself, with both men using every opportunity to take jabs at each other.

Shaq’s dismissive comments about Howard’s role in the 2020 championship reflect a long-standing disdain that seems rooted in Howard’s early career, when he adopted the moniker “Superman,” a nickname closely associated with Shaq. While Shaq’s criticisms often carry an air of playful mockery, they also reveal a deeper reluctance to acknowledge Howard’s success.

The Lakers’ Future Without Dwight

With Howard out of the picture, the Lakers have continued to retool their roster, focusing on building around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The addition of Finney-Smith and Melton gives the Lakers a much-needed defensive boost and added depth, signaling their commitment to contending in the competitive Western Conference.

Howard’s decision to burn bridges with the Lakers might not have any immediate consequences for the team, but it does reflect poorly on his legacy. Instead of being remembered as a key contributor to the franchise’s 17th championship, Howard risks being seen as a divisive figure whose off-court antics overshadowed his on-court accomplishments.

A Sad Chapter in a Storied Career

Dwight Howard’s journey from NBA superstardom to his current state of unemployment and controversy is a cautionary tale. While his on-court talent is undeniable, his inability to maintain positive relationships with teammates, coaches, and franchises has marred his legacy.

Howard’s public feud with the Lakers, LeBron James, and Shaquille O’Neal only serves to further alienate him from the NBA community. And yet, there’s a sense that Howard’s outbursts are less about malice and more about survival—a man trying to remain relevant in a world that seems to have moved on.

In the end, Dwight Howard’s story is one of triumph, tragedy, and self-inflicted wounds—a reminder that even the most gifted athletes are not immune to the pitfalls of pride and poor judgment.