Fans had a lot to say about Dwight Howard’s surprise encounter with old pal Andrew Bynum.
The 6’10” Howard was documenting himself roaming the streets of New York City this week when he spotted a man approaching who looked even taller than him. Turns out it was the 7’0″ Bynum, seemingly cooling down after a workout.
The former Los Angeles Lakers All-Star, who was wearing a sweaty tank top with a towel draped over his back, momentarily took off one of his earphones to dap up Howard. The two shared a quick exchange before Bynum continued walking down the block.
Dwight: “That bi*ch tall right there.”
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 17, 2026
“That looks like Andrew Bynum.”
Dwight: “That is Andrew Bynum!!!”
— Dwight Howard randomly runs into Andrew Bynum in NYC. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
(h/t @MrBuckBuckNBA)
pic.twitter.com/y5zPvcCR0S
While Bynum acknowledged Howard and smiled as the two crossed paths, several fans pointed out how Bynum did not stop at all to share a chat with his former on-court rival. Bynum just kept walking while Howard still seemed to have things to say.
Lmao he ain’t stop or nothing 😂
— Nick Thompson (@Aktivated_) July 17, 2026
What the hell was wrong with AB? Why was he so cold? And why was he wrapped in a towel or blanket or whatever that was?
— Al Lee (@sepelesht) July 18, 2026
Some theorized that perhaps it was because Bynum was still upset at Howard, who eventually replaced him as the Lakers’ starting center during the latter’s short-lived stint in L.A.
Same vibes pic.twitter.com/NSnVj8BQBj
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) July 17, 2026
This is hilarious 😂
— MT (@MikeTx47) July 18, 2026
Bynum was still mad dwight got traded for him after he was supposed to be the lakers next franchise center. Sucks he got injured bowling, and wasn’t great for the sixers. He still a legend and a big what if though full respect to him!
He walked right by.
Others speculated that perhaps Bynum did not even recognize Howard at all and instead mistook him for a rather large and enthusiastic fan.
Bynum had no idea that was Dwight. Thought he was just a fan. 😂
— 𝟭𝟬𝗗𝗘𝗘𝗣 | 𝟯𝘅 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀 (@TenDeep_) July 17, 2026
It’s also possible that Bynum just felt the usual social anxiety of running into an old friend or acquaintance when one isn’t in the mood to catch up. That’s on top of the fact that the ever-boisterous Howard was also filming the encounter.
Whatever the case may be, Bynum appeared to still be in great physical shape. He’d probably still eat folks alive if he decided to (or still does) lace them up at a local park or gym for the occasional pick-up game.
Howard and Bynum were arguably the two best centers in the NBA during an era when superstar centers were in short supply. Bynum made an All-Star team and won a couple of championships alongside Kobe Bryant, but had his career derailed by injuries just as he was entering his prime.
Despite several attempts at an NBA comeback, Bynum never played beyond the 2013-14 season, essentially being forced into retirement at just 26 years old.
