Dwight Howard retires after legendary NBA career

The former Magic star and Lakers champion is hanging up his high-tops for good.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 6:03pm

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Dwight Howard, one of the best centers to ever play in the NBA, has announced his retirement after a 20-year professional career. The former Orlando Magic star and Los Angeles Lakers champion cited a desire to spend more time with his family and give back to communities worldwide as the reasons behind his decision to step away from the game.

Why it matters

Howard was a dominant force in the NBA for over a decade, making eight All-Star teams, winning three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and leading the league in rebounding five times. His retirement marks the end of an era for one of the league's most iconic big men of the 2000s.

The details

Drafted first overall by the Magic in 2004, Howard spent the first eight seasons of his career in Orlando, where he established himself as one of the NBA's premier centers. He led the Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals and was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year. After stints with several other teams, including the Lakers, Rockets, and 76ers, Howard won his first and only NBA title with the Lakers in the 2020 'Bubble' season.

  • Howard was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2004.
  • He played for the Magic for the first 8 seasons of his career.
  • Howard won his first and only NBA title with the Lakers in 2020.
  • Howard announced his retirement on March 12, 2026.

The players

Dwight Howard

A former NBA center who was drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic in 2004 and went on to have a legendary 20-year career, making 8 All-Star teams, winning 3 Defensive Player of the Year awards, and leading the league in rebounding 5 times.

Orlando Magic

The NBA team that drafted Dwight Howard with the first overall pick in 2004 and he played for during the first 8 seasons of his career, leading them to the 2009 NBA Finals.

Los Angeles Lakers

The NBA team that Dwight Howard won his first and only NBA championship with in the 2020 'Bubble' season.

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What they’re saying

“I know some of you might think I thought he already 'retired' but I didn't. The game retired me! I still had more left to give ! Yeah I did play professionally for 20 years and Im grateful to be able to say that but I can't lie seeing these other players still going at it at age 40 inspired me to want to keep trying but now I believe my duty will be to pass it down to the next generation.”

— Dwight Howard

“Woke up today on the 12th of this month and I figured it's time to move on from Superman! Im no super human… I cry ! I struggle! I feel like everyone else. Through the lies, the media and the hate I still show love and Smile Through The Storm.”

— Dwight Howard

The takeaway

Dwight Howard's retirement marks the end of an era for one of the NBA's most dominant big men of the 2000s. Despite facing criticism and adversity at times, Howard's legacy as a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, eight-time All-Star, and NBA champion with the Lakers will cement his place among the all-time greats at the center position.