The long-standing tension between Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard flared up once again in a heated exchange on social media.
During an appearance on the GAUDS show, Howard made it clear that he is fed up with O’Neal’s consistent public jabs, and Shaq wasted no time responding, intensifying their ongoing feud.
Howard, known for his outspoken nature, discussed his frustration with Shaq’s continued attempts to discredit him in the public eye. He expressed that O’Neal’s remarks have become tiresome, and it’s time for the former NBA superstar to stop throwing shade.
O’Neal didn’t hold back in his response. Through a tweet, Shaq hit back at Howard, claiming he’s no longer interested in addressing the situation.
“@DwightHoward the fact u think I care about u is funny, but I won’t ever bring your name up again,” O’Neal posted. “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 #dontneedvalidationyoudo #stayoffpodcasts #thefactyouthinkicareisfunny #yougottashowrespecttogetrespect #nowyouredeadtome.”
Not one to back down, Howard fired back with an even more direct and personal retort. “I know you care. Cuz yo insecure ass been hating and talking shit for 20 years. You too big to be this insecure,” Howard tweeted. He also called out O’Neal’s past actions, bringing up instances where he felt Shaq’s jealousy was apparent. “You always been jealous. Jealous of Kobe, penny, dwayde. You jealous of Charles too. Go move around big lazy insecure ass. I still have that long 5 Paragraph direct message you sent me a couple years ago telling me that I’m not that great to hate. And you still doing it,” Howard continued. “It’s 2025, grow the hell up and move on.”
The back-and-forth between the two has been ongoing for years, with both players exchanging barbs over the course of their respective careers. Shaq has frequently criticized Howard, and the latter has never shied away from defending himself, often using social media as his platform of choice.
In recent years, O’Neal has repeatedly thrown jabs at Howard, often belittling his abilities and accomplishments. Howard, on the other hand, has made it clear that he’s tired of the constant negativity, expressing that he feels O’Neal’s comments are rooted in insecurity rather than genuine criticism.
