It didn’t take long for the Big 3 to get physical. Los Angeles Lakers alumni Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson broke out into a fight during the Big 3 season opener.
In their debut for the league, Howard and Stephenson wasted no time reminding fans of their old-school NBA energy, which led to both players getting ejected.
Video Shows Dwight Howard & Lance Stephenson Getting Into a Fight
After Howard and Stephenson got in each other’s faces, things escalated fast. The two ended up tackling each other into the stands, a moment that quickly went viral on social media.
LANCE STEPHENSON VS. DWIGHT HOWARD FIGHT. 🍿🍿🍿
(h/t @redapples)
pic.twitter.com/nqSeu7Ft9R— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 14, 2025
For full context, Stephenson had already gotten into a heated exchange earlier in the game with former NBA player Jordan Crawford. It’s unclear whether that altercation had anything to do with the fight that followed, but Stephenson clearly wasn’t backing down from anyone.
When the dust settled, both Howard and Stephenson were ejected. It’s not yet known if there will be further punishment. Either way, the incident was a strong reminder of the reputations both players had during their time in the NBA.
Both Howard and Stephenson were known for their on-court antics and clashing with both opponents and teammates. It’s not surprising they ended up going at each other, and it’s not surprising they did it right away.
Wven though they both played for the Lakers and even played with LeBron James, Stephenson and Howard were never teammates. Stephenson played for the Lakers in the 2018-19 season, James’s first year in L.A. Howard had two separate stints with the Lakers, the first in 2012-13 before James arrived, and later during the 2019-20 and 2021-22 seasons.
They also both played for the Charlotte Hornets, but again, never at the same time. Stephenson suited up for Charlotte in 2014-15, while Howard was there in 2017-18. Both players were let go not long after their stints with the Hornets ended.
What’s disappointing is that Howard and Stephenson are two of the most exciting names to take the floor in the Big 3 this season. Even though their NBA days are behind them, both are still highly entertaining to watch. They may not be in their primes anymore, but each can still light up a crowd.
While history and popular belief would lend fans to believe that this won’t be a one time incident, everyone who enjoys seeing NBA veterans lace up their sneakers in any contest will have to hope it is.