Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard had successful back surgery in Los Angeles on Friday and should make a full recovery, one of his surgeons told an Orlando newspaper.
"The surgery was uneventful and Dwight is resting comfortably," spine surgeon Robert Watkins said in a statement to the Orlando Sentinel.
Fragments from a herniated disk in Howard's back were removed during the procedure, which will sideline the six-times All Star for the remainder of the National Basketball Association season. He will also miss the London Olympics.
Watkins said Howard would begin a post-op walking program on Saturday.
"The timing of his return to basketball will depend on his response to the rehabilitation program. We anticipate a full recovery," Watkins said.
