Five NBA teams, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, a towering 6’10” frame, and a reputation that stretches far beyond basketball. Dwight Howard has never been easy to ignore. Whether he’s dominating the paint or making headlines for reasons that have nothing to do with the game. Just ask DeMarcus Cousins, who, during their first-ever encounter, realized that Howard’s presence wasn’t just physical. It was magnetic. What happened that night? Let’s just say it’s a story only Howard could pull off.
It’s not every day you meet a guy who looks like he walked straight out of a superhero comic, especially in the middle of a packed nightclub. But that’s exactly how DeMarcus Cousins remembers his first encounter with Dwight Howard. And, in true Boogie fashion, he didn’t hold back from putting D-12 on blast.
During an appearance on the @dh12abovetherim podcast, Dwight Howard and DeMarcus ‘Boogie’ Cousins took a trip down memory lane, revisiting their first-ever encounter.
Howard kicked things off, recalling their introduction in Orlando. “I remember in Orlando, I think it was our first time playing with each other, and after the game we went to a little spot. Do you remember?” he asked Cousins.
Boogie jumped in with vivid detail. “I do, you got the… you was in there with the tightest f*ing shirt. This was my first interaction with him. This was like Dwight 290, all muscle, and I swear to God there was a lady hanging from his arm, lifting the lady with his biceps in the middle of the club,”* he said, painting a scene straight out of a movie.
Howard simply laughed, “Yeah man, that’s what I was on.”
The former Lakers star is a magnet for attention. And when it comes to his love life? Just as eventful. At 39, Howard has been linked to multiple high-profile relationships and is a father to several children. Let’s break down his past and present romances.
Inside Dwight Howard’s love life: From NBA superstar to father of five
He started dating Tiffany Render, with whom he had a daughter in 2010 named Layla. Later, he dated fitness model Hope Alexa, who gave birth to his daughter Jayde in 2010, and Christine Vest, who gave birth to his son Trey in 2010. Howard also dated Melissa Rios who gave birth to their child in 2013. She unfortunately passed away in 2020.
Howard has been in relationships with several high-profile figures. This includes reality TV personality Royce Reed, with whom he shares his oldest son, Braylon. In addition to his reputation for having a busy love life, Howard has been connected to several other women over the years. This includes social media icon Celina Powell and adult film star Teanna Trump. Howard was most recently engaged to Te’a Cooper, a WNBA player. However, the two parted ways in 2021. He remains unmarried currently. Meanwhile, Cooper has since moved on with NFL player Alvin Kamara.
Howard has five children, paying a massive $13,000 monthly in child support. Fans and critics have debated Howard’s parenting for years. But it seems like D-12 has also embraced fatherhood, frequently sharing moments with his children. Whether it is through birthday celebrations, game attendance, or just spending time with his family.
Apr 7, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) hangs on the rim after a dunk during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
DeMarcus Cousins’ story is just another chapter in the saga of Dwight Howard. One filled with flashy moments that often overshadowed his actual game. For all his dominance on the court, Howard’s career has been defined just as much by his off-court antics. Whether it’s in the paint or in a packed club, the spotlight has never been far from him, for better or worse.
The post “Lady Hanging From His Arm”: Ex-Laker Recalls First Encounter With Dwight Howard, Exposing His Wild Antics appeared first on EssentiallySports.