Dwight Howard and Shaquille O’Neal’s infamous beef has come to life once again to seize the basketball world’s attention. Although both NBA legends are no longer in the league, they have continued to take petty jabs and shots at each other over the years.
Their rivalry likely stems from their similar career paths. Both began with the Orlando Magic before winning championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. Howard adopted the “Superman” moniker, one that O’Neil also donned. And while O’Neal is widely regarded as the more dominant player, Howard has an undeniable legacy.
The latest round of drama kicked off when Howard’s name came up during a segment on “Inside the NBA.” O’Neal’s reaction sparked another social media battle, keeping fans entertained — even as some grow tired of the never-ending back and forth.
Shaquille O’Neal in Denial About His Feelings Toward Dwight Howard
Years ago, O’Neal claimed he wouldn’t engage in the feud anymore. But when Charles Barkley stirred the pot — calling Howard the second-best center in Magic history — O’Neal couldn’t resist.
O’Neal could not contain himself and pointed out that he had more championships than Barkley and Howard combined. However, he did his absolute best to avoid mentioning Howard’s name in any way.
“But I got more rings than you and him combined. The last name you just said … I got more rings than all y’all.”
Charles Barkley calls Shaq the third best Lakers center and second best Magic center 😬
Shaq: “I’ve got more rings than you and [Dwight Howard] combined. And Wilt. I got more rings than all of y’all.”
(via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/KVLu7SYubd
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 14, 2025
That led to a battle on X between the two of them. Howard initiated the exchange by sarcastically praising O’Neal for sticking to his promise.
Glad you kept your promise 🤌🏾 https://t.co/vDvoVIUTWj
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) March 15, 2025
O’Neal responded with a lengthy rant. O’Neal dismissed Howard as “just a podcaster” while boasting about his business empire.
@DwightHoward the fact u think I care about u is funny, but I won’t ever bring your name up again sensitive big man, a jokester that can’t take a joke. Won’t ever say your name again ever again. Have a great day and now u have been deleted. Have a great day. #inevercared #trustme…
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 7, 2025
Fans watching the exchange couldn’t help but notice the irony, concluding that O’Neal was bothered and lying to himself by claiming that he didn’t care.
“Sensitive big man” pic.twitter.com/CYBJ9T8DKX
— 🇸🇴🐍🗡️ (@aykeepitabuck) January 7, 2025
In the end, both men accused the other of stirring up drama for attention, and O’Neal has more to lose in this feud. As the bigger name and more decorated player, continuing to engage with Howard only fuels the debate over whether this rivalry is still worth his time.
History Behind O’Neal-Howard’s Ongoing Beef
While most athlete rivalries build on the court, Howard and O’Neal played against each other just 12 times as their careers overlapped from 2004 to 2011. Statistically, Howard (16.5 points, 10.9 rebounds per game) had the edge over a late-career O’Neal (15.7 points, 6.4 rebounds), but both are considered among the best big men of their eras. However, Howard was controversially left off the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Their feud seemed to start in 2008 when O’Neal was still active, but it was not for anything that happened during a game — rather, it was at an All-Star Game event: the Slam Drunk Contest. Howard donned a Superman cape in his performance, and O’Neal, never one to shy from a nickname, took offense to what he thought was a slight.
So u wear a cape and win a dunk contest and they call u superman
So— SHAQ (@SHAQ) November 19, 2008
From there, the back-and-forth jabs only began, with O’Neal becoming an analyst and seemingly using his platform to take subtle (and some not-so-subtle) digs at Howard when he had the chance.
Regardless, both have been regarded as legends of the game and legends of the same team, with Howard recently being inducted into the Magic’s Hall of Fame. Whenever it seems like the two have put their differences aside, more trouble stirs, but maybe someday the two can reconnect and put the petty past behind them.