UNCASVILLE, Conn. — The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame opened its 2025 enshrinement weekend on Friday, Sept. 5, by presenting the traditional orange jackets to incoming members, including former Los Angeles Lakers stars Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony.
The ceremony took place during the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Celebration & Awards Gala at Mohegan Sun. Howard and Anthony were joined on stage by fellow inductees Deron Williams, Tayshaun Prince, Michael Redd and Carlos Boozer for official portraits and jacket presentations.
Howard, an eight-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, capped an 18-season NBA career with a championship in 2019-20 during his second stint with the Lakers. Anthony, a 10-time All-Star and the league’s 2012-13 scoring champion, spent his 19th and final season in 2021-22 alongside Howard in Los Angeles.
Both players will also be honored as members of the 2008 U.S. “Redeem Team,” which won Olympic gold in Beijing and featured late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
The official induction ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6, at 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET) and will be televised on NBA TV.
Career Highlights
- Dwight Howard: 8 All-Star selections, 8 All-NBA teams, 5 All-Defensive teams, 3 Defensive Player of the Year awards, 2019-20 NBA champion.
- Carmelo Anthony: 10 All-Star selections, 6 All-NBA teams, 2012-13 scoring title, four Olympic medals (three gold, one bronze).
The orange-jacket presentation signals the start of a weekend of festivities as the Class of 2025 prepares for enshrinement in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Source: Lakers Nation
