Dwight Howard Reportedly Preparing to Play in Lakers Opener

NBA fans have wondered when Los Angeles Lakers star Dwight Howard would be ready to play after having season-ending back surgery last year.

The latest report from Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski has the center targeting opening night as his return date.

The Lakers open the season against the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 30 at the Staples Center, and nothing would sell the start of their new year like an appearance and start from their newest acquisition.

Wojnarowski reports that Howard is saying privately that his progress has been outstanding so far, claiming "his back has returned to 85 percent strength."

Los Angeles hasn’t said much about Howard’s timetable, but it is safe to say the organization will be playing this situation close to the vest in hopes of protecting its huge investment.

With so many new pieces in place, it is imperative that the team gets as many games together as possible so they can build an early rapport. If the Lakers want a chance at NBA championship glory, they need Howard to get healthy and stay that way all season.

The 26-year-old star had surgery on a herniated disc in April, and he missed the remainder of the regular season and Orlando’s run into the playoffs. Howard was traded to the Lakers after one of the worst contract disputes in NBA history.

Once the dust settled, the star center found his way to Hollywood in a four-player trade; not a bad deal for the Lakers.

Now they just need him healthy.

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