Former Laker Dwight Howard has been playing in China since 2022 but has always kept an eye on returning to the NBA. Over the last two seasons, he has frequently joked about his availability whenever an NBA team seemed to struggle, and he made another appeal, this time to LA Lakers owner Jeanie Buss.

Howard last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season with the Lakers, where he averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

On his podcast Above The Rim with DH 12, Howard humorously pleaded with Buss to give him another shot. Howard, who has had three stints with the Lakers, told Buss:

“I’m in shape for basketball, so Jeanie give me one more chance.”

He later shared the podcast episode on X (formerly Twitter), repeating his plea from the show.

In the same episode, the 38-year-old former Laker and Buss reflected on the aftermath of LA’s 2020 championship and why he wasn’t re-signed. Howard had joined the Philadelphia 76ers the next season, averaging 7.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.

Buss explained that the Lakers had intended to bring him back, but Howard had already signed elsewhere. He responded:

“Because what I was told was that you guys didn’t have an offer for me.”

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inducted 13 new members, including Vince Carter, Chauncey Billups and Michael Cooper. Howard’s career, defined by his defensive prowess, has been somewhat overshadowed by off-court controversies, yet he remains one of the league’s most underappreciated stars.

To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, a player must be fully retired for three years, but Dwight Howard hasn’t retired yet.

Despite his accolades, including four top-five MVP finishes, Howard was left off the NBA’s Top 75 list in 2021. The omission sparked debate, particularly as players like Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard were included despite having less decorated careers.

Drafted first overall in 2004, Dwight Howard ranks 13th on the all-time blocks list with 2,228 blocks. He has won the Defensive Player of the Year award three times.

During his prime with the Orlando Magic, Howard was a force, averaging 18.4 points, 13.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game, leading the team to the 2009 NBA Finals, losing to the Lakers.

Aside from playing for the Magic, Lakers and the 76ers, Howard’s career had stops with the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets and the Washington Wizards.