Dwight Howard impressive in Lakers debut

Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard looked in midseason form in his team debut Sunday evening against the Sacramento Kings.

Dwight Howard to make Lakers debut Sunday

Dwight Howard will make his Los Angeles Lakers debut on Sunday night, when the Lakers play host to the Sacramento Kings.

Dwight Howard injury update: Lakers not settled on center's status vs. Kings

Despite Dwight Howard's desire to play in a preseason game on Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers are being cautious with him and aren't committed to that yet.

Dwight Howard injury: Lakers C plans debut for Sunday vs. Kings

The 2012 NBA regular season is fast approaching, but Lakers fans won't need to wait that much longer for Dwight Howard to make his debut. He should be on the court for Sunday's preseason game against the Sacramento Kings.

Dwight Howard injury: Lakers' center cleared for 5 on 5 action

Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard has been cleared to participate in full team drills.

Dwight Howard practices with Lakers, but won't yet scrimmage

Los Angeles Lakers' center Dwight Howard is showing no signs of limitation from his surgically repaired back and appears to be nearing full strength, though the team remains cautious in its approach.

Dwight Howard remains noncommittal about return date

Despite claiming to be getting stronger with each day of training and rehab, Los Angeles Lakers' center Dwight Howard remains noncommittal about a possible return date.

Dwight Howard plans for Lakers opening night return

Dwight Howard expects to play for his new team, the Los Angeles Lakers, on Oct. 30

Lakers rumors: Dwight Howard injury could open roster spot for rookie

With the status of newly-acquired Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard up in the air as he recovers from a back injury, a roster spot could be available for rookie center Ronnie Aguilar to make the roster.

Per Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports via Twitter, the 7-footer out of Colorado State University is a "dark horse" to make the team out of training camp. This news is indicative of the Lakers' commitment to taking Howard's rehab cautiously. The team has not made a firm indication of how long he may be out, but the their willingness to move forward and add more depth at center suggests he could miss at least some regular season games.

Howard averaged 20.6 points and 14.5 rebounds per game in 2011 and brings a new dynamic of athleticism and speed to the center position that the team was missing with former Lakers All-Star Andrew Bynum. In Howard's absence, the team's young big men will have big shoes to fill.

Dwight Howard Ruled Out Of Lakers' Preseason Opener

Dwight Howard has been ruled out for the start of training camp and the preseason opener for the Los Angeles Lakers as he rehabs from spinal surgery.

Dwight Howard Trade: Lakers Center's Doctor Discusses Back Injury

The big issue with Dwight Howard going into next season is how healthy his back actually is. Howard had back surgery this offseason, forcing him to miss the playoffs and eventually what would've been his second straight Olympic appearance.

Thankfully it sounds like the Lakers center will be in good health sooner rather than later. Dr. Lionel Hunt, chief of spine surgery at Cedar Sinai, talked about Howard's back on ESPN Radio, and had this info to relate on how quickly the injury should heal.

Here is the bullet point summary of the injury

• Howard should be able to resume weight training and basketball activity in a matter of weeks.
  
• He'd be more concerned about Bynum's knees (which will always be injury-prone) compared to Howard's back, which are more of an acute injury rather than chronic.
• There should be a few months of recovery, and there is a possibility Howard could be ready close to the early of the season.
• Basically, the back injury won't be a huge issue and shouldn't affect Howard's ability all that much, making this trade to jettison Bynum quite worth it.

(HT LakersGround)

Listen to the full radio interview by clicking here.

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