Dwight Howard Retires After Nearly Two Decades in Basketball

Dwight Howard has officially announced the end of his basketball journey. The former Los Angeles Lakers center revealed on social media Thursday morning that he is retiring from professional basketball, bringing the curtain down on a career that spanned nearly two decades and included one of the most dominant stretches by a big man in modern NBA history.

Howard’s decision to make the announcement on the 12th day of the month was deliberate. Throughout his career he wore the No. 12 jersey, and he explained that the number will remain a part of his life moving forward.

Woke up today on the 12th of this month and I figured it’s time to move on from Superman! Im no super human… I cry ! I struggle! I feel like everyone else. Through the lies, the media and the hate I still show love and Smile Through The Storm.

But now Im taking off the cape and… pic.twitter.com/SyZQAcAeLq

— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) March 12, 2026

As part of his post-basketball plans, Howard said he intends to travel the world and perform acts of kindness on the 12th day of each month.

Howard entered the NBA as one of the most highly anticipated prospects of his generation. The Orlando Magic selected him with the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, straight out of high school, and he quickly established himself as one of the most physically imposing players in the league.

During his prime in Orlando, Howard dominated the paint with his combination of strength, athleticism and defensive presence. His résumé during that era was remarkable, highlighted by three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards, five straight All-NBA First Team selections, and eight consecutive All-Star appearances.

While his peak years came with the Magic, Howard eventually achieved the ultimate goal of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

After an unsuccessful one-season stint with the franchise in 2012, Howard returned years later and played an important role during the Lakers’ 2020 championship run. Serving as a key defensive presence and interior anchor, he helped the team secure the title inside the NBA’s Orlando bubble.

Howard last appeared in the NBA during the 2021–22 season with the Lakers. Since then, he continued playing internationally and participated in various exhibition tournaments.

His legacy in the sport was formally recognized when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025.

Despite sometimes polarizing fans with his personality, Howard’s impact on the game is undeniable. At his peak, he was widely considered the premier center of his generation.

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