Dwight Howard To Sit Out Saturday Versus Jazz

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

Dwight Howard’s progress in recovery from his back surgery is going much better than anticipated. The Atlanta native was originally thought to be a longshot for being ready for the start of the regular season. Yet here we are going into the third game of the preseason and there was some talk of Howard possibly suiting up for Saturday night as the Lakers make their Staples debut against the Utah Jazz.

But that was just talk. It appears highly unlikely that Howard will play tonight but that doesn’t mean he’s not getting closer with each passing day.

Naturally there is more to Howard being ready beyond his back.

The man who has requested to be known as Iron Man is not only building strength in his back but is also building his stamina. Keep in mind Howard wasn’t allowed to do much physical activity in the last 5 months. So it will take time for him to get his legs under him.

No matter the exact reasons why Howard hasn’t been cleared for takeoff it would be in the Lakers best interest to keep him shelved until he’s completely ready. Risking anything in the preseason would be foolish considering the lofty goals the Lakers have for the season.