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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JUNE 12: Kobe Bryant, Lindsey Hunter and Shaquille O’Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate following Game Four of the NBA Finals against the New Jersey Nets on June 12, 2002 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-469161589.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JUNE 12: Kobe Bryant, Lindsey Hunter and Shaquille O’Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate following Game Four of the NBA Finals against the New Jersey Nets on June 12, 2002 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images)
Dwight Howard and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal have carried the title of ‘Superman’ in their careers. Instead of being the passing of torch moniker, the phrase has become a major point of contention among the two amidst a slew of other disagreements. The two have been going at each other for a long time now. However, the 7x All-star Dwight Howard has not been able to pin down his feelings toward O’Neal accurately.
Dwight Howard and Shaquille O’Neal have said a lot of things about each other over the years. Amidst the numerous callouts, comments and disses, sometimes the thoughts behind them and even some words have got mixed up. Howard had such a moment recently when in a contradicting statement, he revealed his true feelings toward Shaq.
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Dwight Howard’s feelings on Shaquille O’Neal take a turn
Dwight Howard recently appeared on the ‘Club Shay Shay’ podcast hosted by the Hall of Fame tight end Shanon Sharpe. In the podcast, Howard talked about a bunch of topics ranging from his return to the NBA, his WWE debut, LeBron James, and more. Howard also shed light on his beef with O’Neal in one of the segments.
While discussing Howard’s days in Orlando, Sharpe asked how he felt about the comparisons between him and O’Neal. The former DPOY, in a contradicting statement, replied, “I liked it.”
Incidentally, Howard appeared on the ‘All the Smoke’ podcast a few weeks ago. In that episode, he made bold comments about his relationship with O’Neal. However, they differ significantly from what he said recently.
Howard said, “I never had no issues with Shaq. I never wanted to be like Shaq.” Judging from these statements, it can be inferred that he did not like the comparisons between him and O’Neal and did not want to be like him. However, his recent comments on the podcast with Sharpe say otherwise. Apart from liking the comparisons, Howard admitted to taking inspiration from O’Neal growing up. He also sang high praise of Big Diesel’s dominance.
Watch the Story – After 10 years of undermining his legacy Shaquille O’Neal finally calls 7 ft NBA great a monster in a massive sign of respect
Whether Howard likes or despises the comparisons, the similarity between the two players is terrifyingly uncanny. Both were drafted by the Orlando Magic as the No.1 overall pick, had similar playstyles at 7 ft, shared the nickname ‘Superman,’ and played with the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant. Despite all the similarities, the two can’t seem to arrive at a truce and end it.
What’s your take on their beef? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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