Dwight Howard has received backlash from former Orlando Magic teammates because of his comments saying they were "a team full of people nobody wanted."

However, Howard provided clarity on his comments Wednesday, stating he meant the Magic were always underdogs when he was there -- not in a disrespectful way.

"It was never intended to disrespect or downgrade any of those guys," Howard said.

"I would always tell them I wouldn’t trade them for the world."

Howard will face the Magic in Orlando next Tuesday for the first time since being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Howard led the Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009.