Dwight Howard’s journey in the NBA is a testament to resilience, self-belief, and the power of perseverance. After leaving the Orlando Magic in 2012, the once-dominant big man struggled to find a stable home in the league. His career, marked by early success as a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, took a hit as injuries and skepticism from teams cast a shadow over his future. By 2019, it seemed the NBA had all but written him off—not once, but twice. Yet, Howard’s unwavering faith in himself, which he called his “delusional belief,” propelled him to defy the odds, transforming him into a vital piece of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 championship run.
Howard’s troubles began during his time with the Orlando Magic when he started experiencing back issues that required surgery. The procedure took a toll on his athleticism, robbing him of the explosive power that had made him a household name. No longer the high-flying center who dominated the paint, Howard’s market value plummeted. Teams grew wary of signing a player whose body seemed to betray his potential.
By 2019, while playing for the Washington Wizards, Howard faced another setback: a second back surgery. The procedure further fueled doubts about his ability to return to elite form. He approached the Wizards’ General Manager, Ernie Grunfeld, with a bold promise. “Give me three months,” Howard pleaded, vowing to get into the “best shape of my life” and lead the team to a championship. He even kept a daily reminder on his phone to stay focused on that goal. Grunfeld’s response was noncommittal, and instead of a chance to prove himself, Howard was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.
The trade to Memphis offered little reprieve. Howard reached out to the Grizzlies, hoping to join a mini-camp to build chemistry with his new teammates. Their response was crushing: “We don’t have no room for you.” Shortly after, Memphis waived him, leaving Howard without a team and facing an uncertain future. For most players, this double rejection—first traded by Washington, then discarded by Memphis—would have signaled the end. But Howard refused to let his career fade.
Instead, he doubled down on his commitment. He hit the gym with relentless determination, shedding 30 pounds in just 30 days. The transformation was remarkable: Howard emerged leaner, stronger, and with a renewed explosiveness that recalled his prime. His hard work was driven by what he called a “delusional belief”—a vision of not only returning to the NBA but winning a championship.
Howard’s perseverance paid off when the Los Angeles Lakers came calling. Flying to Los Angeles on his own dime, Howard arrived at the Lakers’ facility ready to prove himself. In his tryout, he needed only one play to make an impression. Executing a pick-and-roll, he soared for a lob thrown “to the moon” and slammed it home with authority. The display left the Lakers’ front office stunned. General Manager Rob Pelinka didn’t hesitate, instructing Howard’s agent to finalize the deal. Just like that, Howard was back in the NBA, signed to one of the league’s most storied franchises.
The 2019-2020 season saw Howard embrace a new role. No longer the centerpiece of a team, he became a vital role player for a Lakers squad headlined by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Howard’s defensive prowess, rebounding, and veteran presence in the paint proved invaluable. His energy off the bench and willingness to embrace a supporting role endeared him to teammates and fans alike.
When the Lakers captured the 2020 NBA Championship in the Orlando bubble, Howard’s vision became reality. Holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time, he proved his doubters wrong. The Wizards’ lack of faith and Memphis’ dismissal were distant memories. Howard’s “delusional” belief—his unshakeable confidence in his ability to overcome adversity—had carried him from the brink of retirement to the pinnacle of the sport.
While Howard wasn’t the star of the Lakers’ championship run, his contributions were undeniable. He provided rim protection, set bone-crushing screens, and brought a contagious energy that elevated the team. His journey from rejection to redemption underscored a powerful truth: self-belief, paired with relentless hard work, can turn even the most unlikely dreams into reality.
Dwight Howard’s story is one of defiance in the face of doubt. Written off by two teams and burdened by injuries, he refused to let his career end on someone else’s terms. His transformation—both physical and mental—allowed him to reclaim his place in the NBA and contribute to a championship team. For Howard, the 2020 title was more than a trophy; it was validation of his faith in himself. The Lakers took a chance on him, and he delivered, proving that sometimes, a “delusional” belief is exactly what it takes to become indispensable.