PBD Podcast Episode 603: “I Could Beat Jordan” - Dwight Howard BREAKS SILENCE On Rumors, Diddy & LeBron, Locker Room Drama

Release Date: June 18, 2025

Hosts: Patrick Bet-David and Guest Dwight Howard

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the PBD Podcast, host Patrick Bet-David engages in an in-depth conversation with NBA superstar Dwight Howard. Stripping away the advertisements and non-content segments, the discussion delves into Dwight's experiences in the NBA, his relationships with iconic players like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, locker room dynamics, personal growth, and his perspectives on basketball legends such as Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal.

Dwight Howard’s Journey in the NBA

Transition from Orlando to Los Angeles

Dwight Howard reminisces about his transition from the Orlando Magic to the Los Angeles Lakers. He reflects on the disappointment of not securing a long-term contract, expressing how it still affects him emotionally:

Dwight Howard [05:00]: "But then when I never got the deal, you know, I think it still hurts me a little bit to this day."

He discusses the expectations placed upon him as a number one draft pick and the pressure of joining a storied franchise like the Lakers:

Dwight Howard [04:44]: "I was just trying to do my job. I'm securing two more years. That's all I was thinking about."

Locker Room Dynamics and Relationships with Kobe and LeBron

Kobe Bryant: A Complex Relationship

Dwight Howard opens up about his time with Kobe Bryant, highlighting both admiration and challenges:

Dwight Howard [08:22]: "I have to admit, playing with Kobe was a mix of respect and frustration. Our communication was minimal, and it felt like we weren't fully meshed as teammates."

He recounts specific instances that illustrate their strained relationship, including a memorable scuffle:

Dwight Howard [28:27]: "I feel like Kobe's [elbow] was intentional. Cause first of all, we're winning by 25... Why is he doing this?"

Despite the tension, Dwight acknowledges Kobe's dedication and skill:

Dwight Howard [34:06]: "He was just darker than Pippin... but he was focused on his goals and didn't let anything stop him."

LeBron James: A Preferred Teammate

Contrasting his relationship with Kobe, Dwight expresses a stronger bond with LeBron James, valuing his leadership and camaraderie:

Dwight Howard [36:54]: "As a teammate, LeBron was the one I preferred. We had a championship together, and our run was the longest."

He discusses how LeBron's presence influenced team dynamics and his personal growth:

Dwight Howard [37:05]: "Knowing what we know now, you'd have to go with LeBron. His longevity and overall contribution to basketball are unparalleled."

Comparisons with Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal

Michael Jordan: The Ultimate Benchmark

Dwight Howard engages in a candid discussion about Michael Jordan, questioning some of the legendary statistics associated with Jordan's athleticism:

Dwight Howard [63:25]: "There's no way he [Jordan] had a 48-inch vertical. If Jordan really had a 48, he should be sitting on the rim."

He delves into the authenticity of some of Jordan's feats, expressing skepticism about their plausibility:

Dwight Howard [64:21]: "Michael Jordan's vertical leap is 42 inches."

Shaquille O'Neal: A Mutual Respect Amidst Tension

The conversation shifts to Shaquille O'Neal, where Dwight recounts past tensions but emphasizes recent reconciliations:

Dwight Howard [77:57]: "We sat down, cleared some things up, and apologized. There's no more animosity between us."

He reflects on their shared history and the eventual understanding that developed over time:

Dwight Howard [112:16]: "We had a great conversation, and I really appreciate him because I grew up watching him and have the utmost respect for him."

Mental Health and Personal Growth

Dwight Howard opens up about the mental challenges faced by NBA players, including his own experiences with injuries and the pressures of fame:

Dwight Howard [14:18]: "Playing in the NBA for a very long time can, you know, you could get mentally ill for you sometimes."

He shares how his time in Taiwan contributed positively to his mental health, offering a reprieve from the fast-paced NBA life:

Dwight Howard [16:12]: "Playing in Taiwan was very beneficial to my mental health. It gave me peace and a chance to learn about a different culture."

Endorsements and Personal Ventures

Throughout the podcast, various advertisements are interspersed, but they are brief and do not detract significantly from the core conversation. Towards the end, Dwight Howard discusses his interests outside basketball, including his love for Egyptian mythology and personal spirituality:

Dwight Howard [123:05]: "My faith has been a big part of my career. Everything in life has balance."

He also touches upon his tattoos, explaining their spiritual significance:

Dwight Howard [124:11]: "All my tattoos have some type of meaning, like pushing away negativity and calling in positivity."

Future Plans and Reflections

As the conversation draws to a close, Dwight Howard reflects on his career and future aspirations. With an imminent Hall of Fame induction, he contemplates his legacy and the lessons he's learned:

Dwight Howard [125:34]: "I've put in the hard work in the gym, in the weight room... Now, with basketball coming to a close, I want to guide my kids and find who I am outside of the game."

He expresses a desire to mentor the next generation and invest time in personal development beyond his NBA career.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dwight Howard on Mental Health:

  "Playing in the NBA for a very long time can, you know, you could get mentally ill for you sometimes." [14:18]

• Dwight on Kobe’s Influence:

  "When I say Kobe's the asshole, emotionally and mentally, I was fed up." [01:12]

• Dwight on LeBron vs. Kobe as Teammates:

  "As a teammate, LeBron was the one I preferred." [36:54]

• Dwight on Michael Jordan’s Vertical Leap:

  "Michael Jordan's vertical leap is 42 inches." [63:25]

• Dwight on Reconciliation with Shaq:

  "We sat down, cleared some things up, and apologized." [112:16]

• Dwight on Personal Growth:

  "Everything in life has balance." [123:37]

Conclusion

In this revealing episode, Dwight Howard provides an unfiltered look into his NBA career, the dynamics with some of the game's greatest, and his personal growth both on and off the court. Patrick Bet-David facilitates a conversation that sheds light on the complexities of professional sports, the importance of mental health, and the journey of self-discovery beyond athletic achievements. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the world of basketball, this episode offers valuable insights into the life of one of the league's most dynamic players.