Shaq Responds to Dwight Howard's Comments: NBA Rivalry Escalates.
Shaquille O'Neal, 52, has seemingly put an end to his long-standing squabble with Dwight Howard, 39, following a series of public exchanges that have fueled their rivalry for years.
Shaquille O’Neal (@shaq Instagram)
Dwight Howard recently opened up about his ongoing tension with Shaquille O'Neal on Ray Daniels Presents. Howard made it clear he’s tired of O'Neal constantly throwing shade in public. Shaq quickly responded to Howard's remarks, intensifying their long-running rivalry.
In his message, O'Neal responded: @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. Won’t ever say your name again ever again. Have a great day and now u have been deleted. Have a great day. #inevercared #trustme #dontneedvalidationyoudo #stayoffpodcasts #thefactyouthinkicareisfunny #yougottashowrespecttogetrespect #nowyouredeadtome"
Howard fired back with a bold message of his own.
He wrote: "I know you care. Cuz yo insecure a** been hating and talking s**t for 20 years. You to big to be this insecure. I hope you don’t bring my name up again. 52 years old tweeting me. And still hating. Now all this time you was joking. You always been jealous. Jealous of Kobe, penny, dwayde. You jealous of Charles too. Go move around big lazy insecure a**. I still have that long 5 Paragraph direct message you sent me a couple years ago telling me that I’m not that great to hate. And you still doing it. It’s 2025 grow the hell up. and move on."
Howard and O'Neal both started their professional journeys with the Orlando Magic. They each made it to the NBA Finals during their time there, but unfortunately, neither secured a championship with the team before moving on to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Shaquille O'Neal hung up his sneakers following the 2011 season. During his illustrious career, he secured four NBA Championships with both the Lakers and the Heat.
Dwight Howard's most recent appearance in the league was in the 2021-22 season, where he secured a championship with the Lakers.
The rivalry between Dwight Howard and Shaquille O'Neal has been a defining aspect of both players' careers. It began in the late 1990s when O'Neal was drafted by the Orlando Magic and quickly became one of the league’s most dominant centers.
Dwight Howard (@dwighthoward Instagram)
After O'Neal’s departure to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996, Dwight Howard was drafted by the Magic in 2004 and soon emerged as the team's star. As Howard's career progressed, comparisons to O'Neal became inevitable, especially since they played similar styles and positions.
The tension grew as Howard was often criticized for not being able to replicate O'Neal's championship success. While O'Neal won three titles with the Lakers, Howard led the Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009 but fell short.
This difference in achievements, coupled with Howard's frequent criticism of O'Neal, set the stage for their long-running feud. Shaq would often take jabs at Howard’s leadership and style, fueling the rivalry.
In recent years, the conflict has played out publicly, with both players exchanging barbs on social media and interviews. Despite their differing career paths, with O'Neal retiring as a four-time NBA champion in 2011 and Howard securing a championship in 2020, the animosity remains.
Their rivalry has etched its place in NBA history, highlighting how two dominant centers can have vastly different careers while remaining locked in a public feud that continues to draw attention.
