In the world of NBA stardom, where legacies are forged and egos have clashed, only a few feuds have been as entertaining and enduring as the ‘Superman’ feud between Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard. The rivalry which has been going on for a decade has now reached a boiling point with Howard’s recent claim that O’Neal had blocked him on social media seemingly unwilling to bury the hatchet. However, this time it seems like the seven-footer wants to take the feud to another level.

Despite getting targeted by many fans for his behavior against Howard, the Los Angeles Lakers veteran has proved that he doesn’t care for anything with his fiery response. “I didn’t block you I just don’t care for crybabies, enjoy yourself in Taiwan, hope u win,” wrote the 52-year-old. This recent comment represents a significant escalation in their feud, transforming it from playful jabs to a more personal conflict.

But when did the feud start? The ‘Superman’ feud between Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard ignited in the late 2000s, rooted in a clash of identities and perceived disrespect. Shaq was already referred to by the moniker given to him by his fans for his aggressive playing style and massive body. However, it changed in the year 2008. Why? During the Slam Dunk contest of that season, Howard, who was a rising star at that time, donned a Superman shirt and a cape to represent his team, the Orlando Magic, and eventually won the competition. This had made the seven-footer furious, as he accused D-12 of stealing his moniker and even downplaying his achievements.

The timing of this latest feud is also interesting since it comes at a moment when both the players are at different stages of their careers. O’Neal has long retired and has transitioned into a successful media personality, whereas Howard is showcasing his skills in the Chinese League.

Whether this latest chapter leads to a resolution or further escalation remains to be seen. But one thing is certain that is in the battle for the “Superman” title, neither O’Neal nor Howard seems ready to hang up their cape just yet. However, did you know about the reason given by Shaq for targeting Howard?

Shaquille O’Neal’s reason behind targeting Dwight Howard

Big Diesel back in January had defended his past taunts against Dwight Howard, claiming that they were intended to motivate rather than insult the player. The two centers who are known for their rivalry during their playing days, have often engaged in verbal sparring both on and off the court.

In an episode of Bleacher Report’s From the Point podcast, Shaq had explained that his taunts were a way of pushing Howard to be the best player he could be. “If I mention your name, it means I love you and respect you. Like, I used to love Dwight. He did something I couldn’t do. I wish I could jump that high. I love Dwight Howard. Other people don’t know. This is my first time saying that…, ” said Shaq during the podcast.

While some may view O’Neal’s taunts as disrespectful, others argue that they were a natural part of the competitive spirit of the NBA. Regardless of one’s perspective, it is undeniable that the rivalry between O’Neal and Howard added an extra layer of excitement to the league during their playing days and even now.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.