DENVER, CO – APRIL 10: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on April 10, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

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Justin Grasso

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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Dwight Howard isn’t truly ready to call it a career.

The former Los Angeles Lakers center took to social media on Thursday night to make his availability clear to the NBA: Howard is willing to play and wants a true farewell tour in the league.

“People like Taj Gibson & Al Horford is the reason I ain’t retired,” Howard wrote on social media. “I want a farewell tour.”

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Howard’s message came just hours after the NBA found out that the veteran center Taj Gibson had found another team. When it was revealed that the Memphis Grizzlies were cutting ties with the veteran forward Kyle Anderson, it was reported that his roster spot would be instantly filled by Gibson.

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 18: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up ahead of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on March 18, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

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The 40-year-old center is set to join the Grizzlies after spending a large chunk of the 2025-2026 NBA season waiting for his next opportunity.

Being in the league since 2009, Gibson has plenty of experience. His earliest days included an eight-year run with the Chicago Bulls. Since then, he had a quick run in Oklahoma City, along with two years in Minnesota, four seasons in New York, and stops in Detroit, Washington, and Charlotte.

Last year, the Hornets signed Gibson for the season. He appeared in 37 games, averaging 11.1 minutes on the court. Gibson didn’t play much, but he was a well-respected veteran on a young and rebuilding team.

Howard, also 40, started his NBA career right out of high school in 2004. He played his first eight seasons with the Orlando Magic before picking up his first stint with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2012. After stops in Houston, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Washington, Howard returned to the Lakers as a backup center in 2019-2020.

The veteran was a critical presence for the Lakers, who won the 2020 NBA Championship. Howard played two more seasons—one with the Philadelphia 76ers—and had a third stint with the Lakers. The 2021-2022 season was the last time Howard played in the NBA. He posted 6.2 points per game, along with 5.9 rebounds per game.

Over the past few seasons, Howard landed mild interest from contending teams. Ultimately, nothing came to life. Despite a confirmed Hall of Fame career and a few seasons out of the mix, Howard is urging teams to give him a call.

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