Amid the intense 2025 NBA playoffs, former Philadelphia 76ers center Dwight Howard—an 8-time All-Star—has stirred the pot with comments about LeBron James, the superstar of the Los Angeles Lakers. Howard’s remarks not only touch on James’ performance but also fuel the ongoing debate about his place in basketball history.
Context: LeBron James and His 2025 Playoff Journey
At 40 years old, LeBron James remains a focal point in the NBA. This season, the Lakers pulled off a blockbuster trade, acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks before the trade deadline to bolster their chances of securing James’ second championship with the team. The move helped the Lakers clinch the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, but they are facing challenges in the first round of the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In Game 3 of the series, James dropped 38 points, becoming the oldest player at 40 to score the most points in an NBA playoff game, surpassing the previous record set by legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (32 points in Game 6 of the 1987 NBA Finals). However, James’ 4-6 record in NBA Finals series is often brought up in debates about whether he is the greatest of all time (GOAT).
Dwight Howard’s Statement
As a former teammate of James on the Lakers (during the 2019-2020 season, when they won the NBA title), Dwight Howard has closely followed the Lakers’ playoff run. In a social media post cited by Philadelphia 76ers on SI, Howard made a controversial statement about James, emphasizing his leadership and influence in the locker room. Specifically, Howard claimed that James “remains one of the most impactful players in the NBA, not just on the court but in inspiring his teammates.” However, Howard also questioned whether James could overcome current challenges to lead the Lakers deeper into the playoffs, especially given the pressures of age and the intensity of younger teams.
If LeBron comes back from 3-1 at 40 I don’t wanna even hear about a GOAT debate š«
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) April 28, 2025
The statement sparked mixed reactions. Some fans agreed with Howard, noting that James’ experience and resilience are rare. Others felt Howard’s comments were “ambiguous,” offering praise while subtly suggesting that James’ prime may be behind him.
Reactions from the Basketball Community
The basketball community, particularly on X, has been buzzing with discussions about Howard’s remarks. Some posts suggest Howard is trying to maintain a good relationship with James, while others believe he’s subtly criticizing the Lakers for relying too heavily on James and Doncic. One X post read: “Dwight Howard’s right—LeBron is still the soul of the Lakers, but can he carry the team through this playoff round?”
Analysts have also tied Howard’s statement to the Lakers’ current situation. With Doncic’s arrival, the Lakers boast a formidable offensive lineup, but their defense has struggled against fast-paced, athletic teams like the Timberwolves. An ESPN article even listed James at 66-1 odds for playoff MVP, significantly lower than younger stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Jayson Tatum.
Dwight Howard’s Connection to LeBron James
Dwight Howard and LeBron James were teammates on the Lakers during the 2019-2020 championship season in the Orlando “bubble.” However, Howard also faced off against James in earlier stages of his career, including the 2009 NBA Finals when he played for the Orlando Magic. His experience as both a teammate and opponent likely gives Howard a unique perspective on the superstar.
Although Howard is no longer playing in the NBA, he remains active in commenting on basketball through media appearances and social media, making his statements highly visible and influential.
Conclusion
Dwight Howard’s statement about LeBron James is a prime example of how James’ influence and appeal in basketball remain undiminished, even at 40. Whether his words are seen as praise or veiled skepticism, Howard has added fuel to the ongoing debates about James’ legacy. Can James and the Lakers overcome the Timberwolves and make a deep playoff run in 2025? The answer will depend on James’ performance on the court and his ability to lead the team through this critical stage.