He isn't coming back. Honestly, if you're still waiting for the Los Angeles Lakers or some desperate contender to give Dwight Howard a 10-day contract, it is time to let that dream go. The "Dwight Howard team now" situation has shifted from the bright lights of the NBA to something much more eclectic—and frankly, probably more fun for a guy who has already won everything there is to win.
As of early 2026, Dwight Howard is officially a retired NBA legend and a freshly minted member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was inducted in the Class of 2025 alongside names like Carmelo Anthony and Sue Bird. But while the NBA chapter is closed, his jersey is still getting sweaty.
Where is Dwight Howard Playing Right Now?
If you want to see Dwight play today, you aren't looking at a traditional 94-foot court. Following his Hall of Fame induction in September 2025, Howard made a definitive move to the BIG3 league. He signed a contract to be the Player-Captain for the Los Angeles Riot.
It’s a vibe. He’s teamed up with guys like Jordan Crawford and Elijah Stewart, and he’s being coached by his former peer Nick "Swaggy P" Young. Imagine that locker room for a second. It's less about the grueling 82-game grind and more about the entertainment, the trash talk, and the 3-on-3 physicality that suits a 40-year-old body much better than chasing Chet Holmgren around the perimeter.
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The Asian Connection and Ownership
But it’s not just about playing. Howard has gone full businessman. He’s currently a co-owner and active player in The Asian Tournament (TAT). After his massive success with the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan—where he basically became a national deity—he realized there was more money and "peace," as he puts it, in the Asian markets than being a third-string center in the NBA.
He recently spent time playing for the Taiwan Mustangs, often alongside other former NBA vets like DeMarcus Cousins and Quinn Cook. Howard hasn't just been a player there; he’s been a recruiter. He’s been very vocal about how overseas basketball allows players to reclaim their joy. No more "Dwighmare" drama. Just hoops and high-value branding.
The "Will He Return to the Lakers?" Rumor
We have to talk about it because the internet won't stop bringing it up. Every time Anthony Davis tweaks an ankle, "Dwight Howard team now" trends on X (formerly Twitter).
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In early 2025, when the Lakers made a massive splash by trading for Luka Doncic, fans practically begged Dwight to come back for a fourth stint. He shut it down. Hard. He told TMZ Sports flat out: "Lakers not calling me. I don't think it's happening." He even joked that even if Jeanie Buss called, he wouldn't sign because he’s content.
He’s 40. He has his ring from 2020. He has three Defensive Player of the Year trophies. The man has nothing left to prove to a league that he feels "slapped him in the face" by leaving him off the NBA 75th Anniversary team.
Why the BIG3 and Overseas Markets Won
The BIG3 schedule is a huge factor. It tips off in the summer—June to August—allowing Dwight to spend the rest of his time on his media ventures, like his Above the Rim podcast.
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- Physicality: 3-on-3 is half-court. No transition sprints.
- Freedom: He can shoot threes. In the NBA, coaches wanted him to set screens and dive. In the BIG3 and Taiwan, he gets to be the point-center he always thought he was.
- Global Brand: By playing in Dubai with the Strong Group or in Taiwan with the Mustangs, he's building a financial empire that doesn't rely on an NBA paycheck.
What's Next for Dwight?
Don't expect another "comeback" workout. Those days ended around late 2023 when the Golden State Warriors passed on him after a meeting.
If you want to follow his current journey, your best bet is catching the BIG3 summer season on CBS or following the TAT league updates in Taiwan. He’s leaning heavily into the "Global Ambassador" role. He wants to take the BIG3 international. He wants to bridge the gap between US streetball culture and the massive basketball markets in Southeast Asia.
Basically, Dwight is living his best life. He’s a Hall of Famer who realized that being a legend in Taiwan and a captain in the BIG3 beats sitting on an NBA bench any day of the week.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Follow the BIG3: If you want to see him live, the Los Angeles Riot play their home games at the Intuit Dome.
- Check the TAT Schedule: For those in Asia or following international streams, the Taiwan Mustangs are his primary "full-court" outlet.
- Podcast Updates: His Above the Rim podcast is where he actually drops the news about his next moves before the big outlets get them.