“He(Kobe Bryant) took everything Jordan did and multiplied it. He did it better.” Dwight Howard said this about Kobe on live TV. D Howard once saw Kobe Bryant as a fierce rival, then a teammate, and eventually, a close friend. Their relationship transformed from intense on-court battles and death stares to mutual respect and deep camaraderie. Now, years after Kobe’s passing, Howard shares a heartfelt tribute, a picture that feels more like a memoir on Instagram. Fans couldn’t be happier, to see their favorite player honoring a legend.

In 2013, when Kobe Bryant and Howard shared the Lakers’ locker room, the NBA world sensed the tension between them. Social media fueled the perception of a feud, but the reality was more complex. We all know that playing alongside Kobe was never easy. His relentless work ethic and sky-high standards were tough to match that even Shaquille O’Neal could attest to it. When Howard joined the Lakers, he saw Kobe’s obsession with winning up close. The intensity, the madness for win, the madness for success. And it wasn’t really easy to handle for someone who just joined the team. That’s when the tug-of-war between them began. Howard left the Lakers after just one season, but his respect for Kobe never faded. Even today, his “Mamba vs. D12” tribute proves that Kobe still holds a special place in his heart.

Dwight Howard recently shared an old locker room photo of him and Kobe Bryant from their 2013 Lakers days on Instagram. His post is a tribute to their relationship, friendship, and fierce yet healthy competition. Alongside the throwback photo, he captioned it: Iconic throwback of @dwighthoward & @kobebryant #ripkobe 🙏🏾” The picture captured them in a face-off stance, like two MMA fighters ready to battle. And coach Mike D’Antoni stood between them, seemingly playing referee. In reality, he was the one keeping them from tearing each other apart. But here comes the twist: this wasn’t a new revelation. Kobe originally posted the same photo on X back in 2013 with the caption: “The Mamba vs. D12!! It’s on lol.” The post was proof that, despite the media’s portrayal of a bitter rivalry, their relationship was far more nuanced.

After so many years, Dwight Howard still holds onto his Lakers’ memories, especially those with Kobe Bryant. It’s very clear how much Howard misses his former teammate. Maybe age is catching up to him, or perhaps he now truly values the gift of life. And why are we talking about this? Because just before this tribute, he shared a post on X, writing, “Thank God for waking me up 🙏🏾.”  Well, it’s not something you often see from NBA stars, but maybe Kobe’s sudden passing changed his outlook on life.

Regardless of the reason, Howard’s tribute comes as no surprise. He has openly praised Kobe multiple times before and always with a full heart.

Kobe Bryant’s demise hit hard on Dwight Howard

In 2020, Kobe Bryant tragically passed away in a helicopter crash. When the news reached Dwight Howard, he was mid-flight. With disbelief, he shared the heartbreaking update with his teammates. Howard’s lone season alongside Kobe in Los Angeles had been filled with disappointment. But in the years that followed, he had come to truly appreciate Bryant. They embraced on the sideline during a game in November 2020. Howard laced up Kobe’s signature sneakers all season, and they were set to reunite at All-Star Weekend in Chicago. Bryant had even accepted Howard’s invitation to join him in the dunk contest.

“It’s been on my mind every day,” Howard admitted. “Man, I can’t believe it. I’m still in shock. It hurts. It’s tough. I just never thought that somebody like that would be gone.” Indeed, the entire NBA world felt the loss, but for Howard, it was something very personal. Kobe had played a major role in shaping him not just as a player, but as a person. “I saw a different Kobe, and I even saw a change in myself,” he said. “And I’m pretty sure he saw it.”

But Howard’s biggest regret? He never got the chance to express his true feelings. He lamented, “I just wanted to be able to tell him how I felt about him, and I never got the chance. That was really the most heartbreaking part.”

Now, years later, he holds onto Kobe’s lessons more than ever. The Mamba Mentality isn’t just a mindset, it’s a legacy that still pushes him forward.