Former Lakers champion Dwight Howard strongly warns Nikola Jokic, “I will stop him.”

Former Los Angeles Lakers champion Dwight Howard has issued a bold warning to Nikola Jokić, making it clear that he believes he has what it takes to slow down the Denver Nuggets superstar. Howard, a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, has never been one to shy away from competition, and his latest statement has sparked conversations among basketball fans.

Dwight Howard Calls Out Nikola Jokić

In a recent interview, Dwight Howard made it clear that he sees himself as one of the few players who can effectively contain Nikola Jokić. The Serbian big man, who has dominated the league in recent years, led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA Championship in 2023 and has continued to put up historic numbers.

However, Howard, who last played in the NBA with the Lakers, is confident that he still has the physicality and defensive ability to neutralize Jokić’s impact.

“I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again. I know what it takes to slow him down. If I was still in the league, I would stop him,” Howard stated.

Howard’s History Against Jokić

It’s not the first time Dwight Howard has taken on the challenge of stopping Nikola Jokić. During the 2020 Western Conference Finals, when the Lakers faced the Denver Nuggets, Howard played a key role in limiting Jokić’s effectiveness.

With his size, strength, and defensive experience, Howard frustrated Jokić, pushing him out of his comfort zone and making him work harder for his points. The Lakers won the series in five games and went on to claim the NBA Championship in the bubble.

Howard believes that his physical style of play is something modern-day defenders struggle to use against Jokić, giving the Serbian MVP an advantage.

“I know how to play him. These guys today, they don’t play physical enough. They let him get to his spots, and that’s why he’s dominating,” Howard said.

Can Howard Still Compete in the NBA?

Despite being out of the league, Dwight Howard remains confident in his ability to contribute at a high level. The former eight-time All-Star has been playing internationally and staying in shape, continuously expressing interest in returning to the NBA.

When asked if he still wants to play in the league, Howard did not hesitate:

“Absolutely. I can still defend, I can still rebound, and I know how to stop guys like Jokić. That’s what teams need.”

However, with NBA teams focusing on younger and more versatile big men, it remains unclear if Howard will get another chance to prove himself against Jokić.

Will Jokić Respond to Howard’s Challenge?

So far, Nikola Jokić has not responded to Dwight Howard’s comments, but his game speaks for itself. The two-time MVP continues to be one of the most dominant players in the NBA, leading the Nuggets as they aim for back-to-back championships.

While Howard’s confidence is undeniable, stopping Jokić has proven to be nearly impossible for most defenders. Fans will have to wait and see if this rivalry ever gets another chapter on the court.