Stephen A. Smith is no stranger to hot takes, but his latest suggestion on ESPN’s “First Take” left colleague Brian Windhorst visibly disgusted. The veteran analyst proposed that the Los Angeles Lakers should consider bringing back Dwight Howard to add size and rebounding alongside Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
Brian Windhorst’s Sarcastic Response to Stephen A. Smith Goes Viral
Windhorst’s face was full of disbelief, and he was unable to make sense of Smith’s suggestion when he said, “I don’t know how he’s looking Windy [Windhorst], but I’m finding it hard to believe, like, you know, all you need is somebody to defend the rebound.”
He added, “Why not look at a Dwight Howard? Why not look at somebody off the scrap heap? He’s always in shape. He never looks out of shape at all.”
The 47-year-old fired back at Smith with a sarcastic response.
“DeMarcus Cousins is playing in Mongolia, why don’t you call him? He’s literally playing in Mongolia. Dwight Howard’s going into the Hall of Fame because he’s retired for so long — the last time he played was in Taiwan. Are you being serious?”
Brian Windhorst couldn't believe that Stephen A. Smith suggested the Lakers could sign Dwight Howard.
"Demarcus Cousins is playing in Mongolia, why don't you call him?… Dwight Howard's going into the Hall of Fame because he's retired for so long… are you being serious?" pic.twitter.com/vH1RGu8Zfp
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 11, 2025
The back-and-forth discussion instantly went viral, with fans split between amusement and agreement with Windhorst’s blunt dismissal of the idea. However, Smith doubled down, arguing that the Lakers don’t need Howard to be a star but just a big body who can rebound and play defense.
“I’m being serious only from this standpoint: You don’t need anything from him. You just need a big body who can rebound. OK, do something to play defense,” Smith countered.
The famous analyst clarified his stance by further adding that he is not big on Howard’s contribution, given his age. However, Smith sees the 2020 NBA champion as a key addition to the Lakers’ roster, given the league’s current standards.
Howard, not one to stand in the corner and stay quiet, fired back on social media. The former three-time Defensive Player of the Year took a direct shot at Windhorst, posting on X, “Lay off the burgers, Windy.”
Boogie said it best 🤷🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/oYvUcP99yG
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) February 11, 2025
When Howard last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season, he averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in 60 games for the Lakers. Time and again, the 39-year-old center has let out his feeling of a comeback and remains in shape to date. However, NBA teams have shown little interest.
