Dwight Howard had a random thought this past weekend. He then posted that random thought on social media, sparking quite a bit of controversy.
Howard, the former NBA star and recent Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, sparked widespread debate on Sunday after posting on X that the president should implement mandatory one-year service for every American-born citizen.
In his unsolicited proposal, the 40-year-old former world champion argued that such a requirement—similar to policies in countries like South Korea, Finland, and Israel—would foster greater discipline, structure, and national unity.
Howard later clarified in replies that he favored military service specifically, stating it would teach self-defense, proper firearm handling, and build mutual respect and bonds among participants.
Hard to argue those points.
Random. I honestly feel like the president should make one year of service mandatory for everyone born in America. A lot of other countries do it. And I think it would help with discipline and structure. I’m curious what yall think would this help America or nah.
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) December 29, 2025
Dwight Howard Draws Fiery Responses
If getting a reaction was the goal, then 8-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard certainly succeeded.
The post quickly amassed millions of views but drew sharp criticism from many online users, who highlighted the irony of a wealthy, retired athlete—who has never served and is now beyond the typical enlistment age—advocating for forced service.
Responses ranged from mockery and calls for Howard to “lead by example” by enlisting himself, to broader arguments against conscription in a volunteer-based military nation like the U.S., which ended the draft in 1973.
“America is a ‘free’ nation for a reason,” one fan fired back. “No!”
Media critic Dan Gainor added, “It always seems kind of gross though for people who aren’t serving to force other people to do so.”
“That would go against the freedom component of this country,” another wrote. “Taking away your autonomy to make the decision to take the risk or not would fly in the face of the spirit of our country.”
“Of course he’s saying this as a 40 yo man that would not have to do a mandatory year,” one fan quipped.
Through it all, however, Dwight Howard did have some supporters for his plan.
💯 I’ve always said a military type boot camp would be amazing for young men-who will quickly learn to become MEN. Structure. Accountability. Leadership. Priceless! And some sort of comm. service for women who don’t want to do boot camp. Double all of it for immigrants 🇺🇸 https://t.co/tnjsnYgzon
— Sage Steele (@sagesteele) December 30, 2025
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Superman’s Championship run with the Lakers
Dwight Howard had a memorable championship run with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. As a backup center to Anthony Davis and JaVale McGee, Howard embraced a reduced role, averaging 7.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game in 18.9 minutes off the bench during the regular season.
His physical presence and defensive tenacity proved valuable in the playoffs, particularly in the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets, where he helped contain Nikola Jokić.
In the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat that season, Howard’s energy and rebounding supported the Lakers’ dominant frontcourt, contributing to their 4-2 series win and the franchise’s 17th championship.
Howard would later claim that LeBron James had him kicked off the team for daring to call him out for being lazy during a practice. With his history of flopping, getting fans kicked out because they trigger him, or now, attacking basketball analysts for daring to call out his son, Bronny, James has indeed demonstrated a certain level of weakness.
But Howard claims that he made one ill-advised comment which cost him a chance to repeat as an NBA champion. Dwight Howard explained the exchange with LeBron James in a little more detail.
“You can’t say that,” Howard recalled. “I said that one time, and I was off the team. … It was after we won the championship, man. It happened on defense.”
“I was like, ‘Yo, you gotta get back.’ And [LeBron] got mad because I said something. And I was like, ‘Yo, stop acting like a b—, man.’”
It’s probably not the first time LeBron has heard that exact phrase.
After Howard left, the Lakers finished with a 42-30 record, 12 fewer victories than the previous season, and were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round.