Getty

EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Dwight Howard speaks to the press during Los Angeles Lakers media day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 27, 2019 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Dwight Howard last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season when he was in his third stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The NBA legend was recently inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame (in 2025).

GettyDwight Howard looks on during the 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Symphony Hall on September 06, 2025 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Howard Makes Heartfelt IG Post

This week, Howard made a heartfelt post to Instagram for his son.

He wrote: “Man what a time.. My first born son. Graduating high-school. Wow. Amazing. Congratulations Braylon on the first of many great accomplishments. I am so proud of you. Love you son.”

There were over 13,000 likes.

Quinn Cook, Josh Smith, Troy Williams, Troy Daniels and Adrian Peterson were among the pro athletes to like Howard’s post.

Here’s what people were saying in the comments:

DeAndre Bray: “Congratulations phew!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 and congrats bra bra! 🙌🏾 time moving 🥹🤌🏾”

Brian Travis Sr.: “Man I’m getting old, I coached B for 3yrs….8,9 & 10 😩😩😩 Congrats my guy!!!”

@ambush_harleyrider: “Congratulations wow… I remember when He was born”

@mcclainstanleyc: “Congratulations on your accomplishments 👏👏👏🎉🎊”

Howard’s Legendary NBA Career

GettyDwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic against the Atlanta Hawks during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on May 10, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Howard was the first pick in the 2004 NBA Draft (out of high school) by the Orlando Magic.

He spent his first eight years with the franchise, helping lead them to the 2009 NBA Finals (as one of the best five players in the league).

During his time in Orlando, Howard averaged 18.4 points, 13.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.2 blocks per contest while shooting 57.7% from the field.

The Magic wrote (via X) on June 11, 2025: “#OTD in 2009 Dwight Howard recorded an NBA Finals and Magic playoff record nine blocks 🪄”

GettyDwight Howard #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks against the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center on November 20, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 95-90.

Following the Magic, Howard had his first stint with the Lakers.

The eight-time NBA All-Star then had stops with the Houston Rockets, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers over 18 seasons.

His career averages were 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.8 blocks per contest while shooting 58.7% from the field in 1,242 games.

He helped the Lakers win the 2020 NBA Championship over the Miami Heat.

GettyDwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a call during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on February 27, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

The Lakers are coming off a season where they lost in the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.

They have been unable to win in a title since Howard was on the team.