Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard is beginning to look like the Howard of the past eight seasons, going back to aggressive nature on defense and his strong offensive play in the paint.

It would appear that Howard has put aside any fears about his surgically-repaired back and sore right shoulder behind him and lead the Lakers to back-to-back victories, the most recent being a 104-88 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.

"I did feel a lot better tonight," said Howard, who torched the Bucks for 31 points and 16 boards. "I just have to continue to play hard.

"My fitness is coming back a little bit. I'm in much better shape and they are finding me in the right spots. We just have to continue to play with energy and effort and believe we can turn this thing around."

Howard isn't the only one noticing a change as Lakers head coach Mike D'Antoni said he's noticed the same change in Howard's play.

"I think he keeps getting stronger," the coach said. "Obviously, he's what we were missing when he was out. You know, he's a heck of a presence inside. He alters a lot of shots.

"I don't know how many blocks he had, but besides that, he just alters so many when he's in there."

Related Articles:

NBA News: Miami's LeBron James Is On The Verge Of Becoming The Youngest Player To Reach 20,000 Points

NBA News Report: San Antonio Spurs Being Sued For Violation Of State Laws