When it comes to NBA rivalries, most of the drama unfolds on the court – but Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard seem to prefer settling their scores on social media. The latest chapter in their long-running feud played out on X (formerly Twitter), where the two big men exchanged sharp words, reigniting a rivalry that’s been simmering for over a decade.
Fans of both players are wondering – why now? And what’s at the heart of this beef that just won’t seem to die down? Let’s dive into the details of the Shaq-Howard saga and why their relationship has been anything but smooth.
How Did the Feud Start?
The feud between Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard dates back to Howard’s early days in the NBA. Howard, who was drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic in 2004, was often compared to Shaq – another dominant center who made his mark in Orlando before becoming one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Howard quickly became a force in the league, earning multiple All-Star appearances and leading the Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009. But along the way, Shaq frequently criticized Howard, often implying that he was trying too hard to follow in his footsteps. Howard’s playful persona – and his use of Shaq’s signature nickname “Superman” – didn’t sit well with the Hall of Famer.
Since then, their relationship has been filled with passive-aggressive comments, public jabs, and plenty of trash talk.
The Latest Social Media Showdown
The latest spark in the feud came after Howard appeared on a podcast, where he shared his thoughts on Shaq and the constant comparisons between their careers. Apparently, the comments didn’t sit well with Shaq, who took to X to respond in classic O’Neal fashion.
“Dwight Howard 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. Won’t ever say your name again ever again. Have a great day and now u have been deleted. Have a great day. #inevercared #trustme,” Shaq wrote.
Howard, never one to back down, responded just as fiercely.
“I know you care. Cuz yo insecure ass been hating and talking s*it for 20 years. You to big to be this insecure,” Howard clapped back.
Howard didn’t stop there. He went on to accuse Shaq of being jealous of other NBA greats like Kobe Bryant, Penny Hardaway, Dwyane Wade, and even Charles Barkley. Howard’s post made it clear that he feels Shaq has been carrying this grudge for years.
“52 years old tweeting me. And still hating… It’s 2025 grow the hell up and move on,” Howard added.
Shaq, ever the entertainer, kept the energy going with more posts.
“Still don’t care… nice move I see what you doing, your legacy is your new podcast that’s how u will be remembered… Love u son,” Shaq quipped.
Why the Feud Won’t Go Away
So, why does this feud keep popping up? For Shaq, it seems personal. Shaq’s dominance in the league made him one of the most intimidating forces in NBA history, and he’s protective of his legacy. Howard, who at times looked like he might mirror Shaq’s career trajectory, became an easy target – even if the comparisons weren’t exactly fair.
Howard, on the other hand, has always tried to shake off the criticism with humor. But as the years have gone by, the repeated jabs from Shaq have clearly taken a toll. At this point, it feels like the two are locked in a never-ending battle of ego and pride.
A Look at Their Careers and Net Worth
Let’s break down the two players’ accomplishments and financial standings to understand how they compare.
Shaquille O’Neal, 52, retired from the NBA in 2011 and is widely considered one of the greatest centers of all time. During his playing days, Shaq won four NBA championships and was named to the Hall of Fame in 2016. His career earnings from basketball totaled over $292 million, and his current net worth is estimated at $500 million.
Shaq’s post-basketball career has been just as impressive. He’s a successful entrepreneur, analyst for Inside the NBA, and has endorsement deals with brands like Icy Hot and Gold Bond. Shaq also owns several franchises, including Krispy Kreme and Papa John’s locations, further boosting his wealth.
Dwight Howard, 39, may not have the same level of accolades as Shaq, but he’s had a stellar career in his own right. Howard is an 8-time NBA All-Star, a 3-time Defensive Player of the Year, and helped the Los Angeles Lakers win the NBA Championship in 2020. His career earnings are reported to be around $247 million, and his net worth in 2024 is estimated between $140 million and $150 million.
Howard recently made headlines for joining Dancing with the Stars Season 33, proving that he’s exploring new ventures outside of basketball.
Is There a Resolution in Sight?
While the feud may seem petty to outsiders, it reflects the competitive nature of professional sports. For now, it doesn’t look like Shaq and Howard will be sitting down to hash things out anytime soon. Shaq’s promise to “never bring up Howard’s name again” feels like more of a temporary truce than a lasting peace.
But let’s be real – as long as social media exists, the odds of Shaq and Howard clashing again are pretty high. And honestly, NBA fans don’t seem to mind. Their playful (and sometimes not-so-playful) rivalry adds an extra layer of entertainment to the game we all love.
