Dwight Howard on Getting Into Good Shape: ‘I’m Not Even Close’


Looking for a relatively depressing Dwight Howard health update? Of course you aren’t, but here ya go: According to the LA Times, the Lakers big man says he’s still got a ways to go before he’s back to 100 percent: “Dwight Howard isn’t Dwight Howard. He’s not the dunk-tastic, shot-blocking force of energy under the basket that he used to be. But why? The Lakers center continues to point to back surgery last April to repair a herniated disk. ‘It’s one of the biggest factors,’ Howard said after practice Saturday. ‘Coming off the injury, I only had four weeks to get ready for the season, which was training camp and then preseason. I didn’t really have a chance to really get in good shape. It’s hard trying to get in shape during the season playing a lot of minutes and traveling. I’m not even close. I used to play 45, 48 minutes without really getting tired. Now I have five possessions, I’m winded. I know I’m not there, but all that stuff will come. . . . I just know how much more effective I will be in better shape and that just comes with time. Unfortunately, it cost us a lot of games but we’ve got an opportunity to make history. I’m going to try and do whatever I can to help this team win.’ Howard has shown shades of a revival, including his 19-point, 16-rebound effort in a 111-107 victory Friday over Portland.”