Brown: Howard To Miss Lakers Preseason Game At Honda Center

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) - Dwight Howard will miss the Lakers' fourth preseason game Tuesday night against the Utah Jazz at Honda Center in Anaheim.

Brown said he is getting closer, but he was told by Lakers' head trainer Garry Vitti to rest him a bit more before his return to the floor.

Vitti and the rest Lakers medical staff are being very cautious with Howard, who had back surgery in April, before letting him back to game action.
Howard has been cleared for two weeks to work out in 5-on-5 practices.

"I want to play, but at the same time I want to make sure I'm ready to play and I'm in good shape to play," Howard said. "I know it's going to be different from practice to a game, (so) I just want to make sure I'm in good shape to play."

The Lakers have yet to win a preseason game, but will look for their first win tonight at 7PM against the Jazz.

The Lakers' season opener is on October 30 at Staples Center against the Dallas Mavericks.