The Los Angeles Lakers were successful with their 103-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks Sunday, with a solid performance from center Dwight Howard with 19 points and 18 rebounds.

However, despite Howard's recent turnaround the road to full recovery will continue to be a battle.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Howard continues to point to his back surgery last April to repair his herniated disk remains to be an issue for him.

"It's one of the biggest factors," Howard said after practice Saturday. "Coming off the injury, I only had four weeks to get ready for the season, which was training camp and then preseason. I didn't really have a chance to really get in good shape. It's hard trying to get in shape during the season playing a lot of minutes and traveling.

"I'm not even close. I used to play 45, 48 minutes without really getting tired. Now I have five possessions, I'm winded. I know I'm not there, but all that stuff will come. . . . I just know how much more effective I will be in better shape and that just comes with time. Unfortunately, it cost us a lot of games but we've got an opportunity to make history. I'm going to try and do whatever I can to help this team win."

Still, Howard has given a glimpse that's he's coming around.

"For sure," Lakers Coach Mike D'Antoni said. "All night he was active. Just a great game. That should be a norm for us."