For years, Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard have beefed with each other over numerous reasons. Several problems arise anytime one mentions the other’s name, and the two don’t appear to get along. In the most recent episode of the Big Podcast, O’Neal even referred to Howard as a “bus driver” in their ongoing feud.
Notably, world-famous rapper Ice Cube‘s (O’Shea Jackson Sr.) son, O’Shea Jackson Jr. made a guest appearance alongside O’Neal on the podcast. Both spoke about the iconic 2020 Los Angeles Lakers squad and their title win, with Howard’s name popping up in the conversation. O’Neal was full of praise for the Lakers until he heard Howard’s name.
He’s a bus rider, JaVale McGee, he gets my respect. But that other motherf*****s bus riders. … On some people, he can pull that, ‘Oh, I got a championship.’ Not with the motherf*****g Don Dada. He can’t pull that s**t with me.
Shaquille O’Neal said on the Big Podcast
Big Shaq and Dwight Howard have a lengthy history of what the media refers to as a “beef,” and even though O’Neal has publicly stated that he likes Howard, their past is not completely erased. However, their actions to date have painted a different picture, Howard has already stated publicly that he has no problem with the retired center.
Shaq doesn’t respect Dwight Howard’s championship ring and calls him a ‘bus rider.’
(🎥 @bigpodwithshaq / https://t.co/8af9uSl5hF) pic.twitter.com/MgiCiqr4R3
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 24, 2024
According to some, their dispute began after Howard dressed as Superman for the 2008 NBA Dunk Contest. This caused O’Neal to criticize his performance and Howard to brand Shaq a hater. But O’Neal had never wavered in his appreciation of Howard’s abilities as a dominant center in the league.
Not the FIRST time Shaquille O’Neal trolled Dwight Howard
Shaquille O’Neal, an NBA great and Hall of Famer, is renowned for dominating presence during his playing days. The Diesel, a four-time winner and three-time Finals MVP with the Los Angeles Lakers, consistently put up incredible numbers. However, the former NBA player once made a hilarious take regarding his retirement and also fired shots at his rival, Dwight Howard.
When I had to pump-fake the dunk… And then I look at the stats, I got 9 points. I’m like ‘This ain’t Shaq, this is Dwight Howard.’
Shaquille O’Neal said on the Big Podcast
Shaq says he knew he was washed up when he started putting up Dwight Howard numbers
“I look at the stats, I had 9 points. I’m like, ‘This ain’t fu****g Shaq, this is Dwight Howard.”
(🎥 @bigpodwithshaq / https://t.co/HWZBZnc8nx) pic.twitter.com/SHQV5u16rQ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 20, 2024
Shaq was moved to the Phoenix Suns after winning his fourth ring with the Heat and Dwyane Wade. O’Neal partnered with two-time MVP Steve Nash in Phoenix. He, however, wasn’t at his best during the first round of the playoffs with the Suns. By then, the Diesel had grown much larger and was playing a lot fewer minutes. This led to his retirement a few years later.
Stay Updated!
Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.
