Dwight Howard, an eight-time NBA All-Star and inductee into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, is set to join the BIG3 league for his final professional basketball season. Howard will represent the Los Angeles Riot in 2025 as he aims to conclude his career on a triumphant note.

BIG3’s creator and CEO Ice Cube announced Howard’s recruitment on Wednesday. Known for his impressive defense, being a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Howard will join the Riot as the league transitions to a city-based format.

“On behalf of the entire league, I want to be the first one to welcome Dwight Howard to the BIG3,” said Ice Cube. “His legacy speaks for itself, and he still enjoys playing the game. We all know that Dwight can showcase more on the court than what he demonstrated in the NBA. Thus, it’ll be exciting to watch him display his skills in the BIG3.”

Howard plans to lead the Riot alongside co-captains Jordan Crawford and Elijah Stewart under coach Nick Young. “I’m thrilled to join Ice Cube and the BIG3, especially after my induction into the Hall of Fame,” said Howard. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to try to bring another championship to Los Angeles while also helping the league grow globally.”

Howard has an 18-season NBA career, having played for seven teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he clinched a championship in 2020. He was a five-time first-team All-NBA player from 2008 to 2012, leading the league in rebounds five times. The BIG3 league is expected to give Howard the platform to showcase both his defensive and offensive talents.

The Riot is set to be one of eight city-based teams for the upcoming 2025 season.