Dwight Howard Interview Gets Awkward on ‘Inside the NBA’

Charles Barkley is known for being candid, and his latest head-turning moment on Inside the NBA was no different. Basketball star Dwight Howard stepped in for Shaquille O’Neal on the program and was grilled by his fellow panelists. “Why do you think people don’t like you?” Barkley asked, posing a question that clearly caught Howard off-guard. After an amazing start to his career with the Orlando Magic, Howard has received criticism for uninspired play for the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets. Instead of biting on the pump fake, Dwight took the opportunity to explain himself. “People felt as though, you know, that I’m just this bad guy,” he explained. “That I’m all about myself, I’m a diva, I’m stuck on Dwight Howard being this famous basketball player.”

Howard also defended his on-court demeanor, another element of his personality that has drawn ire in the past. “I’m always interested in winning,” he said. “There’s been times where I’ve been upset and I’ve taken myself out of games and situations, and that’s on me. And I have to grow and be a better player at that.” Howard also got some friendly advice from co-hosts Barkley and Kenny Smith and made it clear that he’s far from being done in this league.

WATCH: Shaquille O’Neal gives young inventor heartfelt encouragement:

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