In 2008, Dwight Howard soared through the air in a Superman cape, drawing roars from the crowd and a smirk – or was it a scowl? – from the original “Superman” himself, Shaquille O’Neal. That moment, meant to celebrate Howard’s athletic brilliance, quietly sparked a feud that’s smoldered for over a decade. Now, with Howard knocking on basketball’s most coveted door, the HoF, he’s made a surprising and vulnerable ask. And the ball? It’s squarely in Shaq’s court
Howard has immense respect for O’Neal. He was quite clear that he doesn’t wish to have an issue with the Big Aristotle. Now that he’s set to enter the Naismith Hall of Fame, Howard has extended his hand in friendship once again.. He wants O’Neal to be his presenter. He took to X to express his wish. “I want KG , Shaq, and Kareem to walk me out,” he wrote on X.
Will O’Neal accept the request? The Lakers legend often took shots at the 8x NBA All-Star, keeping the feud over the nickname ‘Superman’ alive. Howard famously wore a Superman cape during the 2008 Slam Dunk Contest, leading many to call him Superman which is also one of Shaq’s nicknames. Back in 2016, the 4x NBA champ posted a photoshopped image captioned, “There can only be 1 Superman!!! #ME” featuring him dunking on Howard.
I want KG , Shaq, and Kareem to walk me out #hof
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) April 5, 2025
Over the years, DJ Diesel has criticized the player. However, O’Neal asserts that his critiques are a form of tough love, aiming to motivate players toward greatness.
In his autobiography, Shaq Uncut, Shaquille O’Neal expressed his expectations for Dwight Howard’s career, stating: “If he [Dwight Howard] doesn’t get four rings I’ll be disappointed in him. There’s no one for him to go up against.”
The 3x DPOY earned his first and only ring in 2020, only to be called a “bus rider” by O’Neal. Shaq told Howard he needed to win more titles before earning a fair comparison. Perhaps, he wanted to motivate him more? Your guess is as good as ours.
Both were drafted as No. 1 picks by the Orlando Magic and had stints playing for the Lakers as well. While the paths of both players were very different, they each had great careers in their own style. Now, fans are weighing in on whether O’Neal will agree to be Howard’s presenter and if this could finally mark the end of the beef.
Fans hope for an end to the beef!
Netizens have poured immense praise on Howard for his efforts to squash the beef with O’Neal. After all, this isn’t his first time to do so.
Many lauded him for coming forward. However, others have expressed skepticism about whether the Los Angeles Lakers legend will agree. “If Shaq can stop acting like a baby and be mature for once that would be dope bro,” A netizen wrote. Well, fans’ doubt is understandable, considering how long the drama has stretched. Moreover, this is a big event for the 8x NBA All-Star.
Following the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul boxing match, Dwight Howard proposed a similar event featuring NBA players against NFL players last year. He reached out to Shaquille O’Neal on X, suggesting they collaborate: ‘Shaq wassup let’s make bread.’ O’Neal declined, responding, ‘Gotta have more than one ring to get in the ring with me, I’ll stick with a real champion like @RobGronkowski, and you can have the Superman belt, all yours buddy.‘
Apr 7, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) hangs on the rim after a dunk during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
No wonder this fan wrote, “Shaq too much of a cry baby unfortunately,” Even during Ray Daniels’ The GAUDs Show, the 3x DPOY opened up about how it’s time for Shaq to stop the feud. However, this only stoked the fire more as Shaq wrote on social media, “The fact u think I care about u is funny, but I won’t ever bring your name up again sensitive big man.” But Howard’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. “That’s big of you, bro. Props for being the bigger man,” a netizen wrote. “Congratulations Dwight! You deserve it! Hope Shaq agrees,” another fan wrote.
Well, as fans continue to rally behind him, hope stays alive. While Shaq didn’t say much about Howard’s honor, he did share a post from Shams Charania on his IG story that gained attention. The post announced that Howard earned first-ballot induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025. “It would be a door way to end beef! Congratulations well deserved. If only my Lakers would’ve kept you we might have another ring by now,” a fan wrote. This could indicate that Shaquille O’Neal’s stance toward Howard is beginning to soften
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