Image Source: CP
[Saba Sports News] The long-standing feud between Dwight Howard and Shaquille O’Neal has flared up again, but Shaq insists this latest exchange will be the last.
Howard recently opened up about the tension during an appearance on the Ray Daniels Presents podcast. He claimed he never aspired to be Shaq but acknowledged taking inspiration from him and other legends like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and LeBron James to improve himself.
“I never wanted to be Shaq at any level,” Howard said. “Now, have I wanted to take certain things from him, his life, and implement [them] with my life? Hell yeah. … I never disrespected him, but he’s always had something to say.”
Howard expressed frustration over the ongoing animosity, saying he even considered reaching out through a mutual connection on Dancing with the Stars to arrange a sit-down conversation with Shaq. He added that the pettiness has dragged on for so long that he wondered if they should settle things physically.
“We done past the basketball. … If we gotta fight it out, let’s fight it out,” Howard said.
Shaq, however, dismissed Howard’s remarks with a scathing response on Twitter, vowing to never mention Howard again.
“@DwightHoward the fact u think I care about u is funny, but I won’t ever bring your name up again sensitive big man, a jokester that can’t take a joke,” Shaq wrote. “Won’t ever say your name again ever again. … #yougottashowrespecttogetrespect #nowyouredeadtome.”
Howard was quick to fire back, accusing Shaq of being insecure and jealous.
“I know you care. Cuz yo insecure ass been hating and talking s— for 20 years,” Howard replied. “You too big to be this insecure. … It’s 2025, grow the hell up and move on.”
The bad blood between the two dates back nearly two decades, with Shaq often taking jabs at Howard’s career and personality. Howard even upped the stakes recently by challenging Shaq to a boxing match, but Shaq largely brushed it off.
Whether this marks the end of their feud remains to be seen, but both men appear unwilling to back down completely. Only time will tell if the beef is truly squashed or reignites once more.