Ex-Lakers Champion regrets leaving LA; warns Giannis Antetokounmpo

A former Los Angeles Lakers center shared some words of wisdom for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo on Monday.

In a candid moment on X, former Lakers center Dwight Howard issued a heartfelt warning to Antetokounmpo, urging the 2021 NBA champion to stay put with his current team. 

“Don’t leave Giannis coming from someone who been there,” Howard wrote.

As speculation swirls about Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks, especially amid Milwaukee’s disappointing end to the 2025 season, Howard’s advice points to the perils of allowing emotions cloud career choices.

Howard’s warning stems from his own tumultuous journey through the NBA. After a storied stint with the Orlando Magic, Howard’s career saw him bounce between teams, including the Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, and others.

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Howard’s 2012 departure from the Lakers, where he played alongside Kobe Bryant, remains a sore point. Howard has openly admitted regretting that move, acknowledging that his emotions clouded his judgment. “I let my feelings get in the way,” Howard said in a 2020 interview, reflecting on how he failed to appreciate the opportunity to build a dynasty in Los Angeles.

Howard’s subsequent team-hopping, often driven by frustration or a desire for a fresh start, rarely yielded the success he sought.

By advising Antetokounmpo, Howard is imploring the two-time MVP to avoid the same pitfalls. Giannis, a loyal cornerstone for Milwaukee, has faced pressure to seek a bigger market or a more competitive roster. 

Howard ultimately returned to the Lakers later on in his career. The future Hall of Famer won a title with LA in 2020.

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