Dwight Howard, the eight-time NBA All-Star and 2020 champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, recently revealed his top four teammates during an episode of The OGs podcast, hosted by former Miami Heat players Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller, with Goran Dragic guest hosting.
Despite a career that has seen him play with numerous talents across the league, Howard’s selection was exclusively former Lakers, including one with whom he reportedly had a strained relationship.
“Let me go back,” said Howard. “LeBron [James], Kobe [Bryant], AD [Anthony Davis]… and [Rajon] Rondo.”
This selection is particularly noteworthy given the caliber of players he omitted, including Hall of Famers Pau Gasol and Steve Nash, as well as MVP James Harden. Howard also overlooked other All-Stars he’s played with such as Tyrese Maxey, Paul Millsap, Bradley Beal, John Wall, and Jameer Nelson.
During his 18-year NBA tenure, Howard has been on seven different teams. His most notable achievements include leading the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009 and clinching an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020.
While Howard’s prime years were behind him when he teamed up with Nash, and Rondo had seen better days as well, the latter’s contribution to the Lakers’ success during their prime cannot be understated. Rondo, in particular, might have been on a trajectory towards the Hall of Fame if not for an unfortunate ACL injury.
Currently playing for the Mets de Guaynabo in Puerto Rico, Howard’s affection for his time in Los Angeles remains evident. His career, punctuated by dominant defensive prowess and a storied journey across the league, continues to be a topic of interest for basketball fans and analysts alike.