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Dwight Howard Shares Insights on His Departure from the Lakers
Former NBA star Dwight Howard has recently opened up about his exit from the Los Angeles Lakers, shedding light on a pivotal moment in his career.
During a recent episode of his podcast, “Above The Rim with DH 12,” Howard, a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, accused LeBron James of influencing his exit shortly after the Lakers claimed victory over the Miami Heat in the 2020 NBA Finals.
This championship series was notable for being held in the NBA bubble in Orlando, a unique environment necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Friction Between Howard and James
According to Howard, the tensions between him and James can be traced back to a specific game in the 2019-20 regular season. He revealed that a heated exchange occurred during a match where he directed some vulgar instructions toward James, which ultimately contributed to his departure from the Lakers.
Howard stated, “I said that [too], and I got kicked off the Lakers,” addressing Mario Chalmers, who played alongside James during their time with the Heat. “So, I know how you feel.”
He elaborated on the incident, saying, “You can’t say that. I said that one time, and I was off the team. … It was after we won the championship, man. It happened on defense. I was like, ‘Yo, you gotta get back.’ And [LeBron] got mad because I said something. And I was like, ‘Yo, stop acting like a b—-, man.'”
Unclear Reasons Behind His Exit
While the specific details surrounding the Lakers’ decision not to bring Howard back after the 2019-20 season remain ambiguous, the insult appears to have been central to James’ conflict with Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green during the 2016 NBA Finals.
Chris Broussard previously recounted James’ feelings, noting, “He said Draymond Green called him the B-word, and that’s what got him going,” referring to James’ discussion after the Cavaliers’ loss to the Warriors in Game 4.
Memorable moments from that series included an incident where cameras seemingly caught Green attempting to strike James in the groin area as the two players tangled around midcourt. Green served a one-game suspension during the series, which highlighted the brewing tensions between the players.
Ultimately, the James-led Cavaliers triumphed in 2016, hoisting the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, a noteworthy achievement in NBA history.
Howard’s Journey with the Lakers
Howard’s initial tenure with the Lakers began in the 2012-13 season, while James was still a member of the Miami Heat. After a few years of bouncing around the league, Howard returned to the Lakers for the 2019-20 season. His return coincided with the franchise’s successful campaign that resulted in a seventh NBA title.
However, after his championship season, Howard found himself moving on to the Philadelphia 76ers the following year. His ability to contribute significantly in key moments emphasized his value to the team.
A Return to the Purple and Gold
In 2021, Howard had another chance to reunite with LeBron James in Los Angeles when he returned to play for the Lakers during the 2021-22 season. During that season, Howard made appearances in 60 games but has not competed in the NBA since then. Last year, he spent his time playing in a professional league based in Taiwan, showcasing his ongoing passion for the sport.
Reflections on the Past
As Howard continues his journey in basketball, his reflections on his time with the Lakers highlight the complexities of team dynamics and personal relationships within the league. His candid revelations about his exit provide fans with insights that go beyond the statistics and headlines.
Sports enthusiasts and fans of the NBA will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Howard’s future endeavors and whether he will reconnect with the NBA once again.
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