$160M Business Opportunity Chases Dwight Howard After NBA Snub Ignites His Shocking Comeback

Ice Cube’s BIG3 league isn’t your typical basketball venture. Since launching, it has offered former NBA stars a second shot at greatness. Yet, despite its success, the NBA hasn’t exactly rolled out the welcome mat. Previously, Cube even claimed the NBA is quietly blocking his deals, scaring off sponsors and networks. “They’ve crossed the line,” he said, referencing legal concerns. “I don’t really care what they doin’ behind the scenes, ’cause they haven’t been able to kill us; we’re still alive”, he had claimed. And it’s true, his BIG3 is still going strong two years later. What’s more? The league seems to be on its way to going global soon.

On Wednesday, BIG3 landed its biggest name yet: Dwight Howard. Instead of returning to the Lakers, he’s joining the Los Angeles Riot in the BIG3. After his final NBA season in 2021–22, Howard found himself on the outside looking in. Despite trying out with the Warriors before 2023, a comeback never happened. He eventually took his game to Taiwan but never stopped working for another shot. Ice Cube, however, saw the bigger picture. “He’s a perfect fit for the league,” Cube said, praising Dwight’s global vision and love for the game.

During a recent conversation, Cube laid out a bold vision for the future. “We want to try to connect with your league in Asia,” he told Dwight, signaling more than just a casual partnership. Cube believes basketball, like soccer or combat sports, has global reach, and the BIG3 should reflect that. He’s not settling for being a retirement league. He wants to build an international platform that lives beyond the NBA’s shadow. With Asia in the mix, the BIG3 might tap into an audience the NBA can’t touch yet. Cube’s excitement was clear when he added, “It’s the only sport that works all over the world,” and this team-up might prove it.

Dwight echoed that passion and brought even more fuel to the fire. “The way we think, the way we move…is on a new level,” he said during Cube’s podcast. He teased the idea of bringing top talent from his Asian league draft straight into the BIG3. This isn’t just talk—it’s a move that could shift the league’s future. Dwight’s draft takes place April 11–12, and one of those players is already on his radar. “We really want to hit home and just make this thing global,” he added. For both him and Cube, the BIG3 isn’t just expanding: it’s evolving.

No looking back: Dwight Howard moves on from Lakers dream

Lakers fans had been holding on to hope, but Dwight Howard has finally shut the door. After rumors swirled, especially following the massive Anthony Davis-for-Luka Doncic trade, many thought a reunion was near. But in a recent moment caught by reporters at LAX, Howard gave a clear answer. “Lakers not calling me, brother,” he said, ending speculation. Just like that, the comeback talk faded.

At first, it looked like he was considering a return. Social media posts and old highlights stirred up excitement online. But Howard made it clear he’s focusing on life beyond the hardwood. “I’m always ready,” he shared, “but there’s more to life than basketball.” These days, his priority is family, and he’s enjoying the peace that comes with it. That shift shows how far he’s come.

Even though he’s been off the NBA radar for four years, he hasn’t stopped playing. Most recently, he took the court with the Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards in 2022-23. His passion for the game is still alive, but he knows the Lakers aren’t looking his way. While the door’s shut, Howard doesn’t seem bitter. Instead, he proudly flashed his championship ring, a symbol of what once was. Notably, Carmelo recently made fun of the ring.

That ring brings back memories of 2020: the bubble title run alongside LeBron James. It was his third time wearing the purple and gold, and it brought him the glory he’d chased for years. Though he won’t suit up again, he’s still rooting for the team. With a smile, he said the Lakers have “a real shot” this season, showing his loyalty hasn’t faded.

So, while the chapter is closed, the respect remains. Dwight’s story with the Lakers is done but never forgotten.