Former Los Angeles Lakers stars Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard have been named finalists for the Basketball Hall of Fame!

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame serves as the ultimate recognition for an individual’s contributions to the game of basketball. To be considered for induction is to receive one of the highest honors in the sport. The class of 2025 is shaping up to be an intriguing one, with two former Los Angeles Lakers stars, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard, named as finalists. Both players have left an indelible mark on the NBA and basketball in general, with storied careers that span multiple decades, bring a blend of individual accolades, team achievements, and a lasting impact on the game.

Carmelo Anthony: A Scorer Like No Other

Carmelo Anthony’s journey to the Hall of Fame has been one that highlights his exceptional scoring ability, leadership, and resilience throughout his career. Anthony was born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 29, 1984, and quickly rose through the ranks of high school basketball, eventually playing one season of college basketball at Syracuse University. In that single season, Anthony led the Orangemen to a national championship and was named the NCAA tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

Drafted as the third overall pick by the Denver Nuggets in the 2003 NBA Draft, Anthony’s scoring prowess was immediately evident. Known for his ability to create his own shot, whether by isolating his defender or pulling up for a jumper, Melo became one of the premier offensive players in the NBA. During his time with Denver, he helped the team become perennial playoff contenders, earning multiple All-Star selections and solidifying his status as one of the league’s top players.

However, it was during his time with the New York Knicks that Carmelo truly became a global basketball icon. He was traded to the Knicks in 2011, and his arrival in New York made an immediate impact. As the team’s centerpiece, Anthony had arguably the best season of his career in 2013, when he won the NBA scoring title and led the Knicks to their first playoff appearance in three years. That year, Anthony averaged 28.7 points per game and finished as a First-Team All-NBA selection, showcasing his offensive brilliance. Despite the team’s lack of postseason success during his tenure, his individual performances, including a career-high 62-point game against the Charlotte Bobcats in 2014, would go down as some of the most memorable in NBA history.

Anthony’s game was characterized by his mid-range shooting, footwork in the post, and ability to create offense in virtually any situation. But beyond his scoring, he was a leader in the locker room, guiding younger players and mentoring future stars. While Anthony may not have secured an NBA championship during his career—an often-cited blemish on his legacy—he was able to find success on the international stage, leading the U.S. national team to three Olympic gold medals in 2008, 2012, and 2016. These accomplishments have cemented his legacy not only as an elite NBA scorer but also as one of the great international players of his generation.

Anthony’s time with the Los Angeles Lakers, although brief, added a final chapter to his career. Joining the Lakers in 2021, he added depth to a team already featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis. While the Lakers’ success was limited during that period, Anthony’s leadership, experience, and scoring ability were evident as he adapted to a more limited role. His tenure with the Lakers, however, did not overshadow the broader achievements of his career.

Carmelo Anthony’s Hall of Fame credentials are bolstered by his career achievements, including 10 All-Star selections, six All-NBA honors, and an NBA scoring title. His ability to score in a variety of ways, his longevity, and his influence on the game, especially in terms of changing the perception of players’ ability to move between teams and redefine their careers, all make him a worthy Hall of Fame candidate.

Dwight Howard: The Dominant Force in the Paint

In stark contrast to Anthony’s perimeter-oriented game, Dwight Howard’s career was defined by his dominance in the paint, both offensively and defensively. Howard, born on December 8, 1985, in Atlanta, Georgia, was drafted by the Orlando Magic as the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. From the moment he entered the league, Howard’s physical presence was undeniable. Standing at 6’10” and possessing a wingspan over 7’4”, Howard was an intimidating force in the post and an exceptional rebounder, shot-blocker, and rim protector. His ability to anchor a defense made him one of the most dominant big men of his era.

In his early years with the Magic, Howard quickly emerged as one of the league’s premier players. By his third season in the NBA, he was named an All-Star, and by his fourth season, he had established himself as one of the most feared defensive players in the league. His back-to-back NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2008 and 2009 solidified his reputation as a defensive juggernaut. Howard was also a five-time All-NBA First Team selection, and his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities helped lead the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009, where they ultimately fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games.

Howard’s time in Orlando may have been the peak of his career, but he continued to find success with other teams. After his departure from the Magic in 2012, he played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2012-2013 season, alongside Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Steve Nash. Despite injuries and a sometimes difficult fit within the Lakers’ system, Howard’s time in Los Angeles contributed to his growth as a player. His role evolved from a dominant force on both ends of the court to a more serviceable and supportive contributor, especially after his brief tenure with the Houston Rockets.

Howard’s stint with the Houston Rockets is another chapter in his storied career. In Houston, he played with another superstar, James Harden, and the Rockets became a perennial contender in the Western Conference. However, his time in Houston was marked by personal and team struggles, with Howard not always meshing with the Rockets’ more perimeter-oriented style of play. After a few years, Howard bounced around, playing for the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and finally returning to the Lakers for a successful 2019-2020 season.

The 2019-2020 season was a defining moment in Howard’s career, as he helped the Lakers win the NBA Championship. His contributions during the postseason were critical, providing the team with energy, defense, and rebounding in key moments. Despite playing a smaller role than in his prime, Howard’s ability to adapt to his evolving role was a testament to his professionalism and desire to win at all costs. The Lakers’ championship victory represented the culmination of Howard’s career, and it was a crowning achievement for a player who had been through both the highs of MVP-caliber seasons and the lows of public scrutiny and injury struggles.

Dwight Howard’s case for Hall of Fame induction is built on his achievements as one of the most dominant defensive players in NBA history. He won three Defensive Player of the Year awards, led the league in rebounding five times, and averaged a double-double throughout much of his career. Howard’s 8 All-Star selections and his overall contributions to the game—especially his dominance in the paint—make him a compelling candidate for the Hall of Fame.

The Legacy of Two Unique Careers

While Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard had different paths to success, both players have shaped the modern NBA in significant ways. Anthony’s scoring ability, resilience, and ability to adapt to changing roles throughout his career reflect a player who was not only a prolific scorer but also a mentor and leader in the locker room. Howard, on the other hand, redefined the role of a center in the NBA, providing a blueprint for big men who focused on defense and rebounding while still contributing offensively when needed.

Both players have earned their place among the all-time greats of the game. The Hall of Fame is not just about individual statistics and accomplishments but also about the impact a player has had on the culture of the sport. Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard, each in their own way, have left an undeniable mark on the NBA. For Anthony, it was his remarkable scoring ability and leadership that elevated his teams, while Howard changed the way centers were viewed and utilized, making defense and rebounding just as important as scoring.

As the 2025 Hall of Fame induction class is decided, both Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard’s cases for enshrinement will undoubtedly be met with strong support. The contributions each player made to the game of basketball will forever be remembered, and their inclusion in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will be a fitting tribute to their exceptional careers.