Shaq Rips Dwight Howard's Rockets Decision, Says D12 Couldn't Handle Lakers Spotlight

Former NBA great Shaquille O'Neal weighed in on Dwight Howard's decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers. O'Neal, who has a history of criticizing Howard, intimated the new Houston Rocket couldn't handle the spotlight of Los Angeles, USA Today Reports.

O'Neal made a jab at Howard during the NASCAR Coke Zero 400, where he alluded to reporters that Howard doesn't have the mettle to play in Los Angeles.

This isn't the first time O'Neal has taken a shot at Howard. In the past, the TNT analyst called Brooke Lopez and Andrew Bynum better centers.

Howard agreed to sign with the Rockets on Friday. He'll join All-Star James Harden and coach Kevin McHale, who has a reputation for developing the skillsets of big men.

The Lakers' $30 million advantage it had over teams wasn't enough to sway Howard to staying in Los Angeles. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak confirmed on Friday Howard's decision to leave the team.

"We have been informed of Dwight's decision to not return to the Lakers. Naturally we're disappointed," Kupchak said in a statement. "... We wish him the best of luck on the remainder of his NBA career."

Tags
Dwight howard, Shaq, Houston rockets
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