“You don’t say no to the Lakers. You definitely don’t say no to Kobe Bryant.”
But that’s exactly what Dwight Howard wanted to do. Long before the Hollywood lights and purple-and-gold jersey, the All-Star center found himself at a crossroads in Orlando- one paved with tension, trade rumors, and the mounting weight of unmet expectations. Now, years after donning the purple and gold, Howard is peeling back the curtain on his 2012 departure and the unexpected truth behind it.
In the latest episode of The Dan Patrick Show, the basketball legend shared several stories about his legendary run with 7 different teams that he had played for. The Orlando Magic drafted him first overall in 2004 as the first pick and went on to elevate the team right from his first year. Not to mention, he had a massive fandom who began to refer to him as Superman. He averaged 18.4 points and 2.2 blocks per game during that era. D-Howard is also the first player in franchise history to be named to the All-NBA First Team unanimously.
Yet in 2012, Howard did what few expected: he packed his bags for Hollywood. Howard accepted his fate but later revealed that he didn’t wish to go to the Lakers. “My intentions was not to go to the Lakers,” he said. Howard further added how the departure taught him a lot of lessons that he needed. “I feel like if I would have stayed in Orlando maybe I wouldn’t have learned those same lessons…I hate the fact that I did have to leave Orlando. That was my first home, but I believe that everything happens how it’s exactly supposed to happen and I can’t question fate. The only thing I’m glad about is that it led me to the Hall of Fame,” he concluded.
His departure from the Orlando Magic was ugly. Howard came quite close to winning with the Magic in 2009, leading the team to the finals. At the time, there were rumours of Howard’s feuding with the former coach, Van Gundy.
Apr 5, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
While some of it was true, others were simply not. In fact, Howard shares a great bond now with the former coach. Prior to the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame event, he even sent a message to one young Magic star to never leave the franchise.
Dwight Howard asked Paolo Banchero never to leave Orlando Magic
Speaking to Orlando Magic Podsquad, the basketball legend addressed his departure from the Magic. After early playoff exits in the past, Howard grew frustrated with the team. And in 2011, he was looking for trade. In an interview, he even claimed that if had to give advice to his younger self, it would be to never leave the franchise.
During his induction into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame in March 2024, Dwight Howard reflected on his departure from the franchise and offered heartfelt advice to rising star Paolo Banchero.
In an interview with the Orlando Magic Pod Squad, Howard candidly addressed his past decisions:
“Stay, you fool! You idiot,” Howard joked, imagining the advice he would give his younger self. He emphasized the importance of growth and learning from past experiences, stating, “I feel like if I would have stayed in Orlando, maybe I wouldn’t have learned those same lessons.”
Howard’s departure in 2012 was marked by public trade requests and reported tensions within the organization. Reflecting on that period, he expressed regret over how the situation unfolded, noting that he had to let go of bitterness toward the Magic and their fans to move forward.
Addressing Banchero directly during the Hall of Fame ceremony, Howard advised:
“Paolo, don’t leave them, man.” He elaborated on his own experiences as he told Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel, “I know I disappointed a lot of you guys and in some ways I disappointed myself. But that’s a whole part of life. Every day we learn, we grow.”
However, the way fans have so warmly welcomed the basketball legend, the ugly feuding rumors and exit is buried long behind as fans celebrate his new feat.
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