Former Lakers Champion Center Believes He Had Better Prime Than Nikola Jokic

Interesting comments here..

We just witnessed some of the most dominant basketball played throughout a playoff run by Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. The two-time MVP was the engine that drove Denver to it’s first ever NBA title.

Jokic averaged 30 points, 13.5 rebounds and 9.5 assists across the 20 games the Nuggets played, earning his first Finals MVP award as well. This run included a sweep of your Los Angeles Lakers so Laker fans know just how great he was. Jokic has been in his prime for a few seasons now and will continue to be for awhile but there is one player who believes his prime was better than Jokic.

Former Lakers center Dwight Howard recently spoke out about the Nuggets star and had some interesting comments.

Dwight better than The Joker? 👀

(via Complex) pic.twitter.com/E4foXXiT3f

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 7, 2023

Now Howard was almost unstoppable during his time with the Orlando Magic. He was a three-time defensive player of the year, multiple time rebounding leader, multiple time All-Star and even got the Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009. But he never won a MVP award or a title with Orlando. Jokic is also a better passer and can space the floor effectively, unlike Howard.

This could have been more on the circumstance he was in but the fact remains. Howard was brilliant and remains underrated among the fans today due to the later parts of his career, but Jokic has been more dominant.

9 years ago today, Dwight Howard attempted an NBA record 39 FTS in a win vs the Warriors.

45 PTS
12/21 FG
21/39 FT
23 REB
4 STL
2 BLK

Some Orlando Dwight highlights...pic.twitter.com/2Ou476bU2m

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 12, 2021

Now just for fun, you could say that during the height of Jokic’s prime, an older Howard was one of the few players who was able to limit him. The two matched up against each other in the NBA Bubble back in 2020 as the Lakers and Nuggets faced each other in the Western Conference Finals.

Jokic still was very good against Howard, but the veteran center made life tough on Jokic with his physicality. LA wouldn’t have won that series without the defense of Howard on Jokic, so credit needs to be given there.

It’s always fun to compare the greats together even if it’s the greats themselves doing it. Both Howard and Jokic will end up on the top-10 all-time centers list and the game is better for having both of them!

Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!