Lakers News: Dwight Howard Out For Sunday’s Pre-Season Opener

After rumors that Howard may be able to suit up and play during the pre-season opener on Sunday night against the Golden State Warriors in Fresno, Lakers coach Mike Brown announced on Saturday that Howard won’t be playing after all.

According to Mike Trudell of Lakers.com, Howard won’t be suiting up for the Lakers quite yet.

Mike Brown said everybody but @dwighthoward (back) will play tomorrow vs GSW. That includes Kobe (foot).

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 6, 2012

In Howard’s place, Brown announced that he will either start Robert Sacre or Greg Somogyi, both of whom are rookies.

Expect 1 o/t 2 reserve rookie centers (Sacre or Somogyi) to start for Dwight. Brown wants to keep bench rotation as is (Hill, Jamison etc).

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 6, 2012

This may be a surprise considering many expected Jordan Hill to get the nod in Howard’s stead, but that’s not the direction Brown is taking. This could be good news, however, as it means Brown isn’t expecting Howard to be on the sideline much longer.