Lakers Say Howard Won’t Be Ready for Start of Camp

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Lakers say center Dwight Howard won't finish his rehabilitation from back surgery in time for the start of training camp or Los Angeles' first preseason game.

The Lakers gave an update on the newly acquired center's condition on their website Thursday night.

Howard recently began working with the Lakers' training staff on his recovery from spinal surgery in April. Howard's personal trainer is working alongside the Lakers' staff, and the six-time All-Star has experienced no setbacks.

But the Lakers can afford to be cautious with Howard, acquired from Orlando in a four-team summer trade that sent All-Star center Andrew Bynum to Philadelphia.

The Lakers won't announce a timetable for Howard's recovery, but the team says he won't participate in the start of training camp on Oct. 2 or the preseason opener in Fresno five days later.