Dwight Howard has always been outspoken, but his latest take on LeBron James might be his boldest yet. Speaking about the Los Angeles Lakers’ uphill battle against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Howard didn’t hold back:
“If LeBron comes back from 3-1 at 40, I don’t wanna even hear about a GOAT debate.”
And honestly, he’s not wrong.
LeBron James is already in year 22, leading a Lakers team that has battled roster flaws, injuries, and inconsistency all season. At 40 years old, he’s still delivering vintage playoff performances, including 38 points in Game 3.
But now, with his team down 3-1 to a young, athletic Timberwolves squad led by Anthony Edwards, LeBron faces one of the biggest challenges of his legendary career. And if he does pull it off — if he leads this Lakers team all the way back from a 3-1 deficit, it might be time to close the GOAT conversation permanently.
What makes Howard’s comment more than just hyperbole is context. Only 13 teams in NBA history have come back from 3-1 deficits. But when narrowing that list down to teams with home-court advantage, like the Lakers have, the success rate jumps to 45%: 9 of 20 teams have done it.
So it’s not some miracle fantasy. It’s a real path. And if LeBron leads the way, it’s not just about the comeback, it’s about who he does it against, and at what age.
Minnesota has arguably been the most impressive team in the West this postseason. They’ve blown out the Lakers, neutralized Luka Doncic at times, and had Anthony Edwards put up superstar numbers. The Timberwolves aren’t a fluke, they’re a juggernaut in the making.
So, for LeBron, at this stage in his career, to bring this Lakers team back against this Wolves team? That’s the kind of feat that no other player in history can claim.
Howard, a former Laker and LeBron’s teammate on the 2020 title team, has unique insight into what makes LeBron special. He’s seen the preparation, the leadership, and the focus up close. And it’s why he’s not mincing words now.
According to Dwight, if LeBron overcomes this, the “GOAT debate” with Michael Jordan isn’t just tilted, it’s finished.
Of course, not everyone will agree. Jordan loyalists will point to a 6–0 Finals record, MVPs, and scoring titles. But it’s hard to argue against longevity, adaptability, and sustained greatness over two decades.
LeBron’s resume already spans four championships, 10 Finals, multiple clutch moments, and the all-time scoring crown. Add a 3-1 comeback at age 40 to the list? That’s something Jordan never even had the chance to attempt.
Howard’s statement echoes what a lot of fans might already be thinking but aren’t ready to say out loud. The GOAT argument has always been emotional and generational, but if LeBron completes this comeback, it becomes historical. It becomes unprecedented.
And maybe then, just like Dwight Howard said, we really shouldn’t hear about a debate anymore.
