Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard during his time with the Orlando Magic

Dwight David Howard (born December 8, 1985 in Atlanta, Georgia) is a professional basketball player. He plays for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). His position is center. The Magic chose Howard with the first pick overall in the 2004 NBA Draft. Howard did not play college basketball. He entered the draft right out of high school. Howard is one of the greatest rebounders and defensive players in the history of basketball. He is the NBA's active leader in offensive rebounds, total rebounds and blocked shots.

Career highlights

Howard has been chosen as the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year three times, and won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2008.^[1] Howard was also named to the All-NBA First Team three times, was an All-Star five times, and won a gold medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics.

From roughly 2008 to 2012, Howard was widely considered both the best rebounder, best defensive and center basketball player in the world, as highlighted by leading the league in rebounding almost every season and winning a league record three consecutive NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

He showed frustration at the end of 2011-12 NBA season and demanded a trade to either the New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers or Dallas Mavericks. On August 10, 2012, he was traded from the Magic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade that also involved the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets.^[2]

Dwight Howard Media

Howard and Jameer Nelson in 2008
Howard in 2008, boxing out JaVale McGee of the Washington Wizards
Howard in 2010, contesting a shot by future teammate Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers
Howard with the Lakers in 2013
Howard with the Lakers in 2013
Howard with the Rockets in 2014, alongside teammate Chandler Parsons
Howard with the Hawks in 2017
Howard with the Washington Wizards in 2018
Howard with the Taoyuan Leopards in 2022
Howard at the 2008 Olympics