Two former Los Angeles Lakers wasted no time making a statement in their respective BIG3 debuts. Lance Stephenson and Dwight Howard both spent time as Lakers, with Howard being an integral part of the Lakers' 2020 championship team. Stephenson was a piece of the Lakers right before the franchise reset and brought in current Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis.
Both players have turned the page on the league, transitioning to playing overseas, and most recently in the BIG3. The league's rules allow for former players to play in rules more friendly to former stars.
All of this sets the stage for Howard and Stephenson to have an interesting back-and-forth over the weekend. The play started innocently enough, but talking very quickly turned into a confrontation with Stephenson's raised arm being grabbed by Howard, who took exception to the move. Pushing and shoving followed, with both players ending up on the ground behind the basket.
Former Lakers Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson Fought in BIG3 Meltdown
LANCE STEPHENSON VS. DWIGHT HOWARD FIGHT. 🍿🍿🍿
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 14, 2025
(h/t @redapples)
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Laker fans aren't going to be surprised that these are the two players involved. Howard's time in Los Angeles was defined by the big man's toughness. A defensive presence who wasn't afraid to attack the boards or be the team's enforcer when needed. This was a large part of the late stages of Howard's career when the elite skill that defined the early dominance began to decline.
For Stephenson, this doesn't come as a surprise either, with the forward making a career out of being an irritating presence. Many fans will remember the defender's battles with LeBron's Cavs during Stephenson's time with the Pacers. Whether it was blowing in LeBron's ear or attempting to talk James out of a game, there wasn't a reasonable level that the scrappy defender wasn't willing to stoop to when looking for ways to gain an advantage.
These two players having tensions boil over in a league that has been defined by its fun and friendly style to older players isn't shocking. It is what any fans who are familiar with the former NBA vets have come to expect from two players who aren't going to back down.