Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Dwight Howard Receives Punishment Update for Fight With Lance Stephenson

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 3:43 AM ET

NBA legend Dwight Howard stepped into the Big 3 spotlight this weekend, making his debut with the LA Riot in a season opener against Lance Stephenson’s Miami 305. The matchup in Chicago held promise as two prominent former Los Angeles Lakers players squared off in the high-intensity 3-on-3 format.

Late in the game, tensions boiled over. What began as a scuffle on the court escalated when Stephenson appeared to elbow Howard in the chest. Howard shoved Stephenson and even locked him in a headlock, pushing the altercation into the stands—forcing ejections for both players. Officials later issued each a technical foul for the on-court confrontation before their ejections.

Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson get ejected for a scuffle in their @TheBIG3 debuts pic.twitter.com/rm6UxgQW9o
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 14, 2025

After the game, Stephenson blasted Howard’s aggression on Instagram, writing, “He had 10 fouls, pushing everybody—he was outta control” (h/t Ball is Life). Howard hasn’t commented directly on the incident, seemingly focused on moving forward with the season.

On Tuesday, NBA insider Chris B. Haynes reported on potential punishments for both Howard and Stephenson:

“After extensive review, Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson will avoid suspensions for their on‑court altercation that spilled into stands … Both issued warnings and given leniency due to being rookies getting accustomed to physicality of league."

BIG3 Sources: After extensive review, Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson will avoid suspensions for their on-court altercation that spilled into stands on Saturday. Both issued warnings and given leniency due to being rookies getting accustomed to physicality of league. pic.twitter.com/EwBja2M7HI
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 17, 2025

Despite the dramatic debut, the league has opted against suspensions—emphasizing that while the altercation was serious, both players received warnings and leniency. The decision respects their adjustment to the physical Big 3 environment and keeps them both eligible for upcoming games.

With neither suspended, fans can expect both veterans back in action—and hopefully channeling their intensity in more controlled, basketball-focused ways moving forward.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: