Lakers News: Dwight Howard Cleared for 5-on-5 Full Contact Practice

Although spokesman John Black has confirmed that Dwight Howard will not play in Wednesday’s match-up against the Portland Trail Blazers in Ontario on Wednesday, there is good news for Lakers fans.

At practice, Howard has been cleared for full contact 5-on-5 scrimmages.

John Black also said that Howard’s minutes would be limited in 5 on 5 situations. The big man’s return is still uncertain; however, it’s becoming more and more likely that we will be seeing Superman in a Lakers uniform opening night.

This is encouraging news after discovering that fellow big man Jordan Hill will be out of action for about a month after suffering a herniated disc in his back.

Both Hill and Howard are expected to be ready by the time the regular season opens on Oct. 30th.