The history between Dwight Howard and the Los Angeles Lakers is a complex one, full of ups and downs and unexpected changes of direction. In 2012, the arrival of the then star center to the Lakers generated great expectations alongside Kobe Bryant, but the outcome was not as expected. In a recent interview on the Gils Arena Show , Howard revealed that he never wanted to join the Lakers after his departure from the Orlando Magic, which adds a new perspective to his turbulent first stage in Los Angeles.

“I wanted to go to Brooklyn,” Howard said. “They had just beaten us in the Finals, and my desire was to beat them. In my mind I was like, ‘Why would I go to the team that just beat us?’ I wanted to start over in Brooklyn, but they sent me to L.A. It wasn’t a smart decision, it was just visceral.” Howard also acknowledged that he hadn’t thought through what it meant to leave the Magic, the franchise with which he had risen to stardom.

The center was also candid about his experience playing alongside Kobe Bryant, a situation that was not easy given the huge expectations surrounding them. “It was tough playing with Kobe,” he admitted. “Everyone expected us to be the new Kobe and Shaq, but I didn’t want to go to the Lakers.”

Even though his first stint with the Lakers didn’t turn out as he had hoped, fate would give him a second chance. Eight years later, in 2020, Howard returned to Los Angeles and became a key piece for the team, which won the championship in the Orlando bubble under the direction of LeBron James. Ironically, his veteran version with less prominence was more effective in achieving success than the star Howard of 2012.

Over time, Dwight Howard has learned from his decisions and experiences in the NBA, recognizing that his past choices were impulsive. His career, marked by great moments and others of adversity, has left him with lessons that he now shares openly.