Lakers News: Dwight Howard Out Against Clippers with Sore Back

On Wednesday, Oct. 24, the Los Angeles Lakers will face-off against the division rival Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center for the first and only time during the preseason. Even though this will be a highly anticipated matchup between these two rivals, the Lakers will be taking on the Clippers without Kobe Bryant or Dwight Howard.

Kobe is set to sit out Wednesday’s game due to foot injury while Howard will miss this divisional preseason showdown due to soreness in his back according to L.A. Times’ Mike Bresnahan via Twitter:

Dwight Howard also expected to miss Wednesday’s exhibition vs. Clips. No Dwight, no Kobe, Clippers looking good so far. Wonder who’ll win…

— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) October 23, 2012

At first glance, Howard missing this game after making his Lakers debut against the Sacramento Kings raising some concern. After putting up impressive numbers against the Kings with 19 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks, Howard was as advertised and appeared to show few signs of rust after months of rehabbing his surgicially repaired back.

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Although Howard has already been ruled out of the battle for Los Angeles on Wednesday night, the superstar center is expected to get the start against the Kings on Thursday at Valley View Casino Center in San Diego.

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In case you missed it: Dwight Howard talks about his Lakers debut.
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