Lakers’ Dwight Howard likely to miss training camp, part of preseason

Los Angeles, CA, United States (4E Sports) – Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard is expected to sit out the first weeks of training camp and a handful of preseason games as he continues to rehabilitate from back surgery last April, a reliable league source said Thursday.

According to reports, Howard is currently working out with Lakers head trainer Gary Vitti and head physical therapist Dr. Judy Seto to make sure the All-Star big-man is 100 percent ready for the season.

Howard, traded to the Lakers in a blockbuster deal weeks ago, hinted he might be ready for the start of the season though he has no plans of rushing back to the court.

“We’ll see what the doctor says,” Howard said. “If I’m ready for opening night, I’ll be there, but I’m not going to rush it. A back is very serious, so I’m going to take my time and make sure I’m 100 percent because I want to give everybody 100 percent. I want to give everybody everything I have.”

Nevertheless, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak is confident Howard will be back at full strength as the new NBA season opens on October 21.

“We feel very assured that he’s going to be back,” Kupchak told ESPN LA Saturday. “We’re hopeful he’s back for camp, we’re hopeful he’s back to start the season, but we know he’s going to be back and playing at a high level at some point in time.”

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