Former Lakers Center Dwight Howard Retires from Basketball
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Los Angeles — Dwight Howard, an eight-time NBA All-Star who anchored the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 championship frontcourt, announced his retirement from professional basketball on Thursday morning, March 12, 2026.
The 40-year-old center revealed his decision in a post on X, writing, “Woke up today on the 12th of this month and I figured it’s time to move on from Superman!” Howard noted he will spend the 12th day of each month traveling to different cities to perform random acts of kindness, a nod to the No. 12 jersey he wore for most of his career.
Howard last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season with the Lakers before competing overseas and in exhibition events. Drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic in 2004 directly out of high school, he quickly became one of the league’s most dominant interior forces, earning three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards, five straight All-NBA First Team selections and eight straight All-Star appearances from 2007 to 2014.
His peak statistical seasons came in Orlando, but the Atlanta native achieved his lone NBA title in Los Angeles, contributing key minutes during the Lakers’ 2020 playoff run. The franchise previously signed him for a single season in 2012.
Howard’s career résumé secured him a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025. With his playing days now officially over, he said he plans to devote more time to family and philanthropic efforts.
Source: Lakers Nation
