In revealing conversation with Jeanie Buss, former Lakers center Dwight Howard discovers his convicted agent sabotaged a $7 million offer while orchestrating a massive WNBA team purchase scam
Dwight Howard’s relationship with the Lakers took an unexpected turn when he discovered his former agent had deceived him about a $7 million contract offer in 2020. During a recent episode of his Above the Rim with DH12 podcast, Howard and Lakers owner Jeanie Buss finally cleared the air about his departure.
“I wanted to come back. I don’t know what had happened,” Howard explained, to which Buss replied, “You took an offer from the Philadelphia 76ers.” Howard shook his head, revealing a darker truth: “No, I think that we were just told so many different things. I think now, looking back on it, with the situation that I had with my agent, you know, actually getting convicted, being a part of the whole crime—”
Former NBA center Dwight Howard watches a game at Ball Arena.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The agent in question, Charles Briscoe, was convicted of defrauding Howard through an elaborate scheme involving the attempted purchase of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream. Along with businessman Calvin Darden Jr., Briscoe convinced Howard to invest $7 million in what turned out to be a shell company. The scam involved false promises of partnerships with celebrities like Tyler Perry and Issa Rae, along with companies like Starbucks.
Howard only discovered the fraud when he saw on ESPN that someone else had purchased the Dream. “So, like, I don’t even know what the truth was, because what I was told was that you guys didn’t have an offer for me,” Howard told Buss. “Oh no, that’s not true,” Buss quickly corrected.
The timing of Briscoe’s deception proved costly for Howard’s Lakers future. “It’s all about the salary cap and the timing, because we have to get accepted offers when we have the cap space,” Buss explained, suggesting Briscoe deliberately let the Lakers’ opportunity slip away.
The consequences have been severe. Briscoe faces wire fraud charges carrying maximum 20-year sentences, plus aggravated identity theft charges. Meanwhile, Darden received 11-14 years for fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy convictions in January 2024.
On October 14th, 2024, Howard shared the podcast clip on social media, writing: “I was so shocked to hear the Lakers had an offer for me but my so called agent told me lies same agent that cost me $7mill man I’m glad me & Jeanie cleared that up I know it’s too late but why not…”