Dwight Howard makes Lakers debut

“I was a little rusty. It’s a matter of just getting my timing back, and at the defensive end, just being there for my teammates,” Howard said afterward.

The good news for the Lakers is that Howard’s back seems to have healed just fine. He has been participating in full contact 5-on-5 practice and has the go-ahead to play in games once his conditioning is up to par. The concern right now is that he could injure something else if he plays before he is in game shape.

Howard underwent surgery in April to repair a herniated disk in his back and at one point there was concern that he wouldn’t recover in time to play in the season opener. That does not appear to be the case anymore, but he will have an abbreviated preseason so it might take him some time to catch up.

Howard has been sidelined since undergoing surgery in April to repair a herniated disk. He has been practicing with the Lakers during preseason camp but has yet to suit up in any exhibition games.

The three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year has been participating in all aspects of practice, including 5-on-5 drills, according to the team website. He has been held out of scrimmages.

Howard participated in full on Tuesday, and was not limited Wednesday during the first of a scheduled two-a-day with an evening session to follow. That’s good news for the Lakers faithful who gathered at the team’s El Segundo, Calif. practice facility to catch a glimpse of the All-Star in action.

That’s music to the Lakers’ ears as there was wide concern that the injury could keep Howard out for a significant amount of time. As it stands now, it’s looking more and more likely that he’ll suit up relatively early in the regular season.