The Los Angeles Lakers are seeking to close out the regular season on a high note and go into the postseason with momentum.
While that has the focus of the Lakers, one of their former players was elected into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 as a first-ballot member. That player is All-Star center Dwight Howard, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Dwight Howard has been elected as a first-ballot member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025, sources tell ESPN. Howard was an 8-time All-Star, 8-time All-NBA, 3-time Defensive Player of Year, a 2020 NBA champion, and won one Olympic gold medal with Team USA. pic.twitter.com/PMcyw6Izew
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 5, 2025
Dwight Howard Will Be Inducted into the Hall of Fame
Howard came into the league as the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. Over the span of 18 years, he made stops with the Lakers, Houston Rockets, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, and Philadelphia 76ers.
Howard had three different stints with Los Angeles (2012-13, 2019-20, and 2021-22). His first run with the Lakers didn't end well as he left in free agency. He then returned and signed a one-year deal with Los Angeles in 2019 and played a critical role on that championship team.
In that title run, Howard gave Los Angeles an athletic and physical force in the frontcourt. The combination of Howard, Anthony Davis, and JaVale McGee gave the Lakers something that played in their favor.
Although Howard won't go down as one of the best Laker big men in team history, he helped play a prominent role in securing a championship.
In his career, the 39-year-old was an eight-time All-Star, five All-NBA first-team selection, three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and a four-time NBA All-Defensive Team. In his career, he averaged 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and shot 58% from the field.
Howard will be joining Carmelo Anthony as a first-ballot inductee. This is a prestigious honor that highlights the work and dedication these players put in. Howard will join an exclusive club as one of the best players to ever play this game.