5 Shocking Revelations About The Dwight Howard Vs. Lance Stephenson BIG3 Brawl

The rivalry between Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson is officially back, and it's more physical than ever. Following a highly publicized on-court altercation that resulted in a wild brawl and ejections for both players, the basketball world is buzzing about the fiery exchange between the two former NBA stars. This incident, which occurred during the BIG3's 2025 season opener, proved that the competitive fire—and perhaps some old bad blood—still burns intensely for these veterans, even in the 3-on-3 league.

The June 2025 scuffle between the Miami 305’s Lance Stephenson and the LA Riot’s Dwight Howard was the most dramatic moment of the opening weekend, a shocking display of aggression that spilled into the stands. While both players avoided a suspension from the league, the incident has reignited interest in their intertwined careers and their reputations as two of basketball's most unpredictable personalities. Here is the definitive breakdown of the fight, the history, and the fallout.

The Complete Career Profiles: Dwight Howard vs. Lance Stephenson

To truly understand the intensity of the BIG3 rivalry, one must first look at the storied and sometimes turbulent NBA careers of both players. Both men are known for their high-energy, physical play, and polarizing personalities, which set the stage for their recent confrontation.

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Dwight Howard: 'Superman'

• Born: December 8, 1985 (Atlanta, Georgia)
• NBA Draft: 2004, 1st Overall Pick (Orlando Magic)
• Key NBA Teams: Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, Philadelphia 76ers
• Career Highlights: NBA Champion (2020), 8x NBA All-Star, 3x NBA Defensive Player of the Year, 5x All-NBA First Team, 5x NBA Rebounding Champion, 2x NBA Blocks Champion.
• Current Team (2025): LA Riot (BIG3)
• Entity Keywords: Orlando Magic, Defensive Player of the Year, Hall of Fame, Superman, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets.

Lance Stephenson: 'Born Ready'

• Born: September 5, 1990 (Brooklyn, New York)
• NBA Draft: 2010, 2nd Round, 40th Overall Pick (Indiana Pacers)
• Key NBA Teams: Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks
• Career Highlights: NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2011), Known for his high-energy play and memorable playoff battles against LeBron James. Had four separate stints with the Indiana Pacers.
• Current Team (2025): Miami 305 (BIG3)
• Entity Keywords: Indiana Pacers, Born Ready, LeBron James rivalry, Los Angeles Lakers, Cincinnati Bearcats, NBA G League.

The Shared History: Lakers Alumni and Unpredictable Energy

While the recent brawl felt like the culmination of a long-standing feud, Howard and Stephenson actually share a significant, albeit brief, professional history. Both players were teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers, though not at the same time. This shared alumni status adds a fascinating layer to their newfound rivalry in the BIG3.

The common thread between Howard and Stephenson has always been their intense, often volatile, energy on the court. Howard, despite his 'Superman' moniker and dominance, was known for fluctuating focus and team hopping. Stephenson, nicknamed 'Born Ready,' built his reputation on being an unpredictable spark plug, capable of both highlight plays and frustrating moments—most famously his attempts to rattle LeBron James during the Pacers-Heat playoff series. Their current league, the BIG3, which emphasizes isolation play and physicality, seems to be a perfect storm for their personalities to clash.

The BIG3 is a platform for former NBA talent to extend their careers and showcase their skills in a fast-paced, 3-on-3 format. The league, founded by rapper Ice Cube, often encourages a more physical style of play than the NBA, which likely contributed to the escalation of the incident.

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5 Shocking Details of the BIG3 Brawl (June 2025)

The confrontation between the two veterans was not a minor shoving match; it was a significant physical altercation that captured headlines and dominated the sports news cycle. The incident, which took place during the game between Howard’s LA Riot and Stephenson’s Miami 305, was a shocking reminder of their competitive ferocity.

1. The Physical Escalation Was Instant

The fight began after a series of physical plays and verbal exchanges. The flashpoint occurred when Lance Stephenson appeared to raise his hand toward Dwight Howard's chest during a heated argument. Howard's reaction was immediate and aggressive: he shoved Stephenson forcefully. This initial shove quickly turned into a wrestling match.

2. Howard Used a Headlock Takedown

In the most dramatic moment of the scuffle, Howard was seen locking Stephenson in a headlock and aggressively pushing the altercation toward the sideline. This move, more reminiscent of a wrestling match than a basketball game, forced the fight to spill directly into the front-row seats, shocking spectators and officials alike.

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3. Both Players Were Ejected from Their BIG3 Debut

Remarkably, the game was the BIG3 debut for both players in the 2025 season. Howard, who joined the league in April, was playing his first game for the LA Riot. The physical altercation resulted in a swift double ejection, ending both of their highly anticipated season openers prematurely and highlighting the league's zero-tolerance policy for fighting.

4. No Suspension Was Issued by the BIG3

Despite the severity of the brawl and the shocking visuals of the fight spilling into the stands, the BIG3 league made the surprising decision not to issue a suspension to either Dwight Howard or Lance Stephenson. After an extensive review of the incident, officials determined that a suspension was unnecessary, allowing both high-profile players to return to action for the following week's games. This decision kept the star power—and the potential for future drama—intact for the league.

5. The Rivalry is Now Officially BIG3's Hottest Storyline

The incident has instantly established the Howard vs. Stephenson matchup as the premier rivalry in the BIG3, providing the league with a massive boost in publicity and a compelling narrative. The raw intensity and history between the two former NBA champions—who combined for 31 NBA seasons—guarantee that any future meeting between the LA Riot and Miami 305 will be appointment viewing for fans eager to see if the bad blood boils over again.

The Legacy of Physicality and Unfinished Business

The BIG3 brawl between Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson serves as a powerful metaphor for the careers of both men: immensely talented, physically dominant, but always on the edge of controversy. For Howard, the incident adds another chapter to his turbulent late-career narrative, while for Stephenson, it's a perfect encapsulation of his 'Born Ready' persona—always ready for a confrontation.

As the 2025 BIG3 season progresses, the focus will remain on these two entities. Their ability to channel their aggressive energy into winning basketball, rather than sideline brawls, will determine their success in this new chapter of their professional lives. The league, and its fans, now wait with bated breath for the inevitable rematch.