Shaq stays silent as Lakers super fan validates Dwight Howard’s plea to Rob Pelinka: ‘Feel that void’

Dwight Howard is quite the character. There have been a lot of stories surrounding the veterans center, but no one will dispute that this man is a beast. Having signed with the Taiwan Mustangs of the Asian Tournament on May 30, 2024, his dream of one final run with the NBA continues in full force. In fact, over a month ago, the internet went viral with a viral tweet from Howard. And it had to do with the Lakers.

After the disappointing end of the Purple & Gold in the playoffs against Denver, the ex-Laker reiterated his wish to want to play in Los Angeles. With a playful tone in his message, Howard wrote: “Lebron 39 I’m 38 years old!” I’m still in shape, you say it was 3 years ago but I’m still in shape lol.

Age and staying in shape would certainly be welcome, but whether he can make a difference for a franchise looking to make big changes is debatable. However, Shaquille O’Neal guest for his last episode in The big podcast, Ice Cube thinks Howard is exactly what the Lakers need. When Shaq’s co-host Adam Lefkoe asked Cube, being a Los Angeles superfan, what he thought about the current state of his beloved team, the popular rapper responded straight away: “We need a big one. I mean, a real great man.“

The BET Hip-Hop Award winner further explained that the Lakers’ 2020 title was devalued, calling it “Mickey Mouse Championship » etc. Nonetheless, all teams in the 2020 Orlando Bubble were fighting for this so-called Mickey Mouse ring. Therefore, Ice Cube claims that he cannot simply be rejected. However, he had a “but” coming.

“At the end of the day, it was Dwight Howard, it was JaVale McGee. AD can’t do much. …I think you need to free them up a little. …And as you see, once we played Denver again, that’s the missing piece again. I hope they learn from it and feel that emptiness.» he finished.

The last Dwight played was for Los Angeles in the 2021-22 season. The 8x All-Star’s history with the Purple & Gold spanned three stints, during which the second (2020) earned him his only ring. Despite this, the 3x DPOY always kept a close eye on the team. Funny enough, when Ice Cube mentioned Dwight Howard, the camera immediately zoomed in on “The Big Diesel.” If you know, you know!

Dwight Howard and Shaquille O’Neal – the tension is real!

After breaking multiple league and franchise records during his rookie season and leading the Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009, Dwight Howard became a household name in the basketball community. But it was during the 2008 Slam Dunk Contest that he achieved worldwide recognition. It was also the spark that ignited a long-running feud between former Lakers legend O’Neal.

So the story is that Howard captivated the audience with unreal dunks. And he did it while wearing a Superman shirt and cape. Now, those Shaq fans will know that the big man once claimed the nickname “Superman.” Watching Howard amid cheering fans and flashing lights, with his Superman persona, considered it an impersonation. And boy, did they do it!

From there it went on and on until this day. Dwight Howard had contacted the “Great Aristotle” several times to end their battle of wills and words. But it seems the two just can’t control the urge to begrudgingly speak when they face each other. So, seeing the 4x champion sit stoically at the mention of Howard was quite surprising.

The fact that Ice Cube congratulated the 5x All-NBA First Team for his contribution to the Lakers’ 2020 title and yet not even a hint of emotion from Shaq was certainly interesting and rather impressive. Especially considering their latest exchange, Dwight Howard said he was angry at the Orlando Magic for retiring his very first jersey and that it was the “fake Superman” A! Howard even did a brilliant imitation of O’Neal right down to his voice during The OGs podcast.

Well, what do you think of Ice Cube’s suggestion? And do you think O’Neal could have finally put an end to his conflict with Howard? Or is he just planning the best way to get revenge on him? Let us know your thoughts below!