After enduring a shocking betrayal by his former agent, Dwight Howard is now focused on reclaiming his career and seeking a second chance with the Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA veteran, who has had a long and successful career, made headlines on December 24, 2024, when he publicly expressed his desire to return to the Lakers. This comes on the heels of a legal and personal scandal that involved his former agent, Charles Briscoe, pleading guilty to defrauding Howard and several others, including NBA player Chandler Parsons, out of a staggering $8 million.
The agent scandal that rocked Howard’s career
Howard’s complicated situation with the Lakers traces back to Briscoe’s deceitful actions. On his podcast, Above the Rim with DH12, Howard shared the shocking revelations about his former agent. One of the most damaging lies Briscoe told was regarding a supposed $7 million contract offer from the Lakers. Briscoe claimed that the deal wasn’t available, which led to Howard’s departure from the team. This discovery was a significant turning point for Howard, who, like many athletes, trusted Briscoe with his career decisions.
In a raw and candid moment on his podcast, Howard revealed just how deep the betrayal went. He explained, “I was so shocked to hear the Lakers had an offer for me, but my so-called agent told me lies. Same agent that cost me $7 million, man. I’m glad me & Jeanie cleared that up.” This acknowledgment underscored the impact of Briscoe’s actions on Howard’s career and financial security, which made his potential return to the Lakers even more significant.
A desire to rejoin the Lakers
Despite the challenges of the past, Howard is determined to turn the page. In a recent conversation with Jeanie Buss, the Lakers’ controlling owner and president, he expressed regret over not returning to the team sooner. Howard openly discussed his readiness to return to the court and contribute to the team’s success. “I know it’s too late, but why not? I’m in shape. My former teammate that I went to the finals with is the head coach. AD doesn’t want to play center anymore. Me & Jeanie cleared up all the confusion,” Howard said.
This statement reveals that Howard believes there is still an opportunity for him to make a positive impact. His remarks indicate that he is physically prepared to play, especially given the current Lakers roster and the shift in roles, such as Anthony Davis’s reluctance to play center. Howard is hopeful that his past misunderstandings with Buss have been cleared up, which could pave the way for a potential return.
Briscoe’s legal consequences
The scandal surrounding Briscoe was not just a professional issue for Howard—it had serious legal ramifications as well. In October, Briscoe was sentenced to three months of home detention and three years of supervised release after being convicted of wire fraud. His actions also cost him his license as an NBA agent, as he was one of four individuals involved in a criminal conspiracy. Briscoe faced multiple charges, including aggravated identity theft, stemming from his fraudulent activities.
Briscoe’s conviction is a stark reminder of the risks athletes face when placing their trust in agents or other professionals who don’t have their best interests at heart. For Howard, the consequences of this betrayal were profound, affecting both his financial security and his career trajectory.
Reflecting on the past
Looking back on his time with the Lakers and the fallout from the agent scandal, Howard seems to have a new perspective on the events that unfolded. He noted that his decision to leave the Lakers in the first place was based on misguided advice. Reflecting on his career, Howard explained, “I wanted to come back. I don’t know what had happened.” Buss reminded him that he had taken an offer from the Philadelphia 76ers, but Howard clarified that he had been misled by Briscoe at the time.
Howard’s admission sheds light on how difficult it can be for athletes to make the right decisions when they are not fully informed. “I think now, looking back on it, with the situation that I had with my agent, you know, actually getting convicted, being a part of the whole crime…” Howard said. His words suggest that the confusion he faced during that period was exacerbated by his agent’s dishonest actions.
Moving forward from the scandal
As Howard seeks to rebuild his career and move forward from the scandal, his story resonates with many in the sports world. His experience is a reminder of the importance of having trustworthy representation, especially for high-profile athletes who rely on their agents to make critical career decisions. Howard’s situation serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trusting the wrong people in positions of power.
However, Howard’s determination to recover from this setback shows his resilience. For many fans and members of the African American community, Howard’s willingness to share his struggles and seek redemption is an inspiring example of perseverance. It is also a powerful message about reclaiming one’s narrative, even after a devastating betrayal.
The bigger picture: Trust and integrity in sports
Howard’s experience highlights an important issue in professional sports—how athletes must navigate the world of agents, advisors, and business deals. The betrayal he faced underscores how essential it is for athletes to thoroughly vet anyone they place their trust in. It’s a reminder that not all agents or representatives have their clients’ best interests at heart. The consequences of poor judgment in these professional relationships can be far-reaching, affecting everything from financial stability to career opportunities.
Athletes, particularly those with a long history in the league like Howard, have the chance to build upon their legacies. But these moments of reflection and redemption can be difficult, as past mistakes and betrayals continue to weigh heavily on them. Howard’s story shows that even after setbacks, athletes can find ways to move forward, regain control, and make meaningful contributions both on and off the court.
Looking ahead: A possible return to the Lakers
As Howard’s story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether his hope of returning to the Lakers will come to fruition. However, his readiness to play, his connection with former teammates, and the clarity he now has with Jeanie Buss suggest that a comeback is not out of the question. Fans who have supported Howard throughout his career are now waiting to see if his determination can lead to a successful return to the team.
In conclusion, Dwight Howard’s desire to rejoin the Lakers represents more than just a basketball goal. It is about reclaiming his career after a period of betrayal and deception. As Howard looks forward to the future, he is not only striving to prove himself on the court once again, but also to restore his reputation and career from the damage caused by his former agent’s actions.
