Dwight Howard Shoots Down Return to Lakers, ‘I’m Not Signing’

Lakers fans hoping for a Dwight Howard reunion can uncross their fingers and let out their breath … the former NBA superstar tells TMZ Sports there’s simply no chance he re-signs with Los Angeles.

Many purple and gold backers, of course, have been urging L.A. to go after the big man following its Anthony Davis-for-Luka Doncic swap … but when we got Howard out in the City of Angels this week, he said it just isn’t going to happen.

Despite appearing to express some interest in re-joining the squad on X after the big trade went down, he told us at LAX he’s now four years removed from an NBA roster … and is currently content spending his time at home with his children.

“I’m always ready,” he admitted, “but there’s more to life than basketball.”

Howard — who last played professionally with the Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards in the 2022-23 season — made it clear he doesn’t think the Lakers would have any interest either … saying straight up, “Lakers not calling me, brother.”

Howard had three stints with the Lakers (2012, 2019, 2021) in his historic career … and won the NBA Finals alongside LeBron James during the COVID-shortened year.

He was sporting his championship ring during our chat … and while he won’t be joining the team this season, he said L.A.’s still “got a real shot” at getting another one this year.