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Dwight Howard: The rise and fall of an all-star

By Harry Wahl

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play against the Orlando Magic during their game at Spectrum Center on December 4, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play against the Orlando Magic during their game at Spectrum Center on December 4, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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EL SEGUNDO, CA – AUGUST 10: Jim Buss and his sister Jeanie Buss of the Los Angeles Lakers pose with new member of the team Dwight Howard at the Toyota Sports Center on August 10, 2012 in El Segundo, California. The Lakers acquired Howard from Orlando Magic in a four-team trade. In addition Lakers wil receive Chris Duhon and Earl Clark from the Magic. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA – AUGUST 10: Jim Buss and his sister Jeanie Buss of the Los Angeles Lakers pose with new member of the team Dwight Howard at the Toyota Sports Center on August 10, 2012 in El Segundo, California. The Lakers acquired Howard from Orlando Magic in a four-team trade. In addition Lakers wil receive Chris Duhon and Earl Clark from the Magic. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

The Dwight Show hits the road

Throughout the entirety of the 2011-12 lockout shortened season, the main storyline swirling around Dwight Howard was where he would be going next. Howard made the media and Orlando very clear that he was not happy and was ready for the next chapter of his career.

The Los Angeles Lakers answered the call and traded for Howard in August of 2011. On a star-studded team that in hindsight was built to sell tickets and jerseys not win championships, the media conversation began to turn on Dwight. When you complain as the best player in a small media market with a team that can’t get over the hump it’s one thing.

But when Dwight got his wish to be in LA with several other high profile players and the complaining and the problems persisted – he lost favor with most fans. The Lakers experiment only lasted one year as Dwight exited after a first round playoff sweep.

Howard left close to $30 million on the table by opting to sign with the Houston Rockets in order to pursue a championship. Paired with a budding James Harden, Houston’s dynamic duo was billed as the next big thing – but it never materialized.

Harden and Dwight butted heads with the head coach at the time Kevin McHale until his departure from the team. Even after that two ball dominant players playing approximate opposite styles still struggled to coexist. After three years and no championships with the Rockets, Dwight was back on the road again.

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