Dwight Howard has officially been ruled out for Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The All-Star center for the Los Angeles Lakers has been suffering from a lingering torn labrum in his right shoulder that he aggravated again in the loss against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. Howard was originally listed as day-to-day after being evaluated by team doctors, but will now officially miss playing time.
Howard suffered the injury in the fourth quarter against the Suns that left him on the floor in pain after blocking a shot by guard Shannon Brown. Howard left the game and did not return. The Lakers then gave up a 13-point lead and eventually lost 92-86. He told reports after the game that he was in the most pain he has had since the original injury occurred and that his shoulder was extremely sore.
Howard originally injured his shoulder against the Los Angeles Clippers on Jan. 4 and was forced to miss three games. He recognizes that he may need to rest his shoulder, but was still hopeful to play in Friday's game.
Kobe Bryant is not worried about Howard's injury. He told reporters Wednesday that these injuries happen and learning to play through them will be something that Howard must adjust to.
"It is going to be an all-season thing. That's how those types of injuries are with the labrum," Bryant said.
The Lakers are currently one game into a seven game road trip. This stretch will make a difference in their potential playoff chances. They sit at 20-26 on the season and 10th place in the Western Conference, four games out of earning a playoff spot.
Howard is averaging 16.6 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks for the Lakers this season. There is no doubting that the Lakers need him on the court, especially being four games out of a potential playoff spot. No word is Howard will miss an extensive amount of playing time or just Friday's game.
