Every great Los Angeles Lakers center had a nickname that they donned for their entire careers with the franchise. From George Mikan to Shaquille O’Neal, fans and media members couldn’t resist the temptations of using a moniker when referring to these big men.
O’Neal used several nicknames, including the Big Aristotle, the Big Diesel and Superman. However, there is a new Lakers center that also goes by the name Superman. Dwight Howard adopted the name after his Slam Dunk Contest win, and it stuck.
On Lakers Nation’s Facebook page, we asked readers if they thought Howard should give up his Superman nickname now that he is with the Lakers.
Fans are clearly in favor of calling Howard ‘Superman’ even though the nickname was first used by the previous dominant center, Shaquille O’Neal.
Total tallies:
- Yes- 255 votes
- No- 1,550 votes
Howard and O’Neal share the same position, same team and same nickname. Both centers are outgoing characters who always find a way to entertain people on and off the court. Howard is a fun loving young center who developed that reputation with his time in Orlando. Some criticized Howard for being too happy during basketball games, but that is when Howard plays his best.
The new Laker center has a lot in common with O’Neal; however, there can never be a legacy comparison until Howard proves he can help this Lakers team win several NBA titles.
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What did Dwight Howard say about the Superman nickname?
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