Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard has injured his troubled right shoulder yet again and has left the game vs. the Phoenix Suns.

As he went up for a shot following a rebound, Howard was hit on the arm and immediately grabbed his ailing shoulder in obvious pain. He left with just over six minutes remaining in the game.





Howard was diagnosed with a torn labrum earlier this season and missed games because of the injury he originally suffered on Jan. 4. After initial reports indicated that he may need surgery, it was determined that he could play as much as his pain tolerance allowed.





The official word out of the Lakers locker room is that he will sit for a few minutes, rest the injury and see if he is able to return. The Lakers are in the midst of a tight game on the road vs. the Suns and in the midst of a three-game winning streak.

UPDATE: Howard is officially doubtful to return