Dwight Howard mocks LeBron James

Last night, Miami Heat forward LeBron James exploded for his best game of the season and, really, one of the best performances of his career. The 51-11-8 night came after months of trash talk and slights between the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat; It also came minutes after Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard led his team in a group mocking of James.

Prior to the tip, Howard went to the scorer's table and mimicked James' chalk toss -- something Howard also did when the Magic traveled to Cleveland, James' former home, earlier this season -- but what really took the cake was Howard leading a group of his teammates in a team photo, another practice James was known for leading last year in Cleveland. You can get a look at the group photo above and check out video of the chalk talk and photo session below, via YouTube user kakalama12345678.

First, this is pretty funny. Second, it's almost always funny when someone mocks LeBron James.

However, it's not particularly classy, though, and I'm surprised that Magic coach Stan Van Gundy allowed this to happen. These actions -- and, more importantly, the spirit behind the actions -- really backfired. The Magic are no better than James: they've never won a ring, they don't dictate NBA etiquette and they were just looking to make a national scene to mock an opponent. Howard, as a well-established superstar in his own right, should be better than that, although the fact that he's done the chalk toss multiple times now makes it clear this was no accidental message.

Unfortunately, given the game that unfolded, the message it sent was "we tried to make you look bad and failed" rather than "we're so confident in our play that we can stoke your competitive fires without fear of repercussions." Given the relative hype between the two franchises and the relative size of their markets, there's also a tinge of "little brother jealousy" to the whole thing.

Does this all look differently if the Magic come out and take care of business last night or if James came out cold and looking distracted rather than putting together the best start (11 for 11) of his career? Probably. But, for now, it looks both funny and a bit sad.

Nobody fears or disrespects the Heat.

How are they doing at the gate?

Funny, Bobcats call me to buy tickets, packages and great discount on Season package for next year!

They try to seduce me with "Miami or Boston" tickets. I keep telling them I can watch them on TV every nite and why do I want to see a blow out anyway? I don't want to see Lebron and his superfriends take the Cat's a part!

Dwights act is getting old also. If he wants to go hollywood it would really just be following Shaqs path. Dwight ain't no shaq. Shaq got charisma! Dwight would be seen as another egocentric douch Bag player vying for attention.

Amare set the tone. Serious man in a serious city playing a serious leadership role for some damn serious cash!

Dwight looked stupid mocking Lebron.

there are rumors donnie wants to chase Dwight in 2012 if the melo thing doesn't work out... not sure i want that.

crzymdups wrote:

Andrew wrote:Dwiight should have spent the time practicing his FTs.

yep.

adamosgp Adam Papageorgiou

Throughout Dwight's career, if he shoots 10+ free throws & makes 70% of them, the Orlando Magic are 41-0 http://bkref.com/tiny/WVCfX #RealGM

wow good catch

crzymdups wrote:

nyk4ever wrote:i have no problem with this. lebron has been over the top with his antics for years and i'm sure alot of other stars around the league have taken exception to it... few have the CAJONES (fish) to actually fire back at his childish crap. good for dwight.

i don't think anyone is saying don't fire back at lebron. but it might help to fire back on the court. dwight is considered a top 5 or at worst top 10 player in the league. he wants to make fun of lebron, he might want to put up more than 17pts and 3-13 FTs in a major game. especially when lebron responds with 51pt 11reb 8ast in a game where it looked like Wade might have gotten seriously injured and was ineffective.

i understand your point, but its alot easier for lebron to go off scoring wise when he's not reliant on other people giving him the ball.

NYKBocker wrote:i like it. this is just another form of trash talk

yeah athletes do it all the time... Jordan used to waggle his finger imitating Mutombo in games they played each other... guys imitate each others' TD celebration moves in the NFL all the time... if you're gonna do it to other teams u better be ready to have yourself mocked.

Marv wrote:51 on your head son. mock that.

knocking Lebron out of the playoffs in '09 has earned him some mocking rights i'd say