The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Tuesday that All-Star center Dwight Howard has been cleared for full contact practices, although his minutes will be restricted for the time being.
The Lakers also announced that Howard would not play in Wednesday's preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Ontario, CA. He sat out the team's preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.
Howard has been rehabilitating from April back surgery. He is hoping to be ready for the Lakers' season opener against the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 30. The Blazers host the Lakers in the Rose Garden on Oct. 31.
-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter