Following a training session with the Lakers yesterday, Dwight Howard was asked whether he would play in the pre-season opener coming up on Sunday; he responded ‘hopefully’. Fans may get to see Howard in yellow and gold much earlier than expected and the Lakers Haters have every reason to be shaking in their boots.

Just days earlier, Howard had spoken to Yahoo! sports reporter Adrian Wojnarowski that he aspires to be back for the October 30th match up against the Dallas Mavericks. Wojnaroswski claims that Howard’s back is at 85% however has not had to deal with significant contact scenarios yet to test the full strength.

All sounds well for Superman in Tinsel Town, but as a die-hard fan, I have my concerns. What if the Lakers push Dwight in too early and his injury keeps him out longer than first expected? Is Dwight ready for playing time? What do the doctors think?

Firstly, as of today, Dwight has not been cleared for five on five scrimmages. He has been training his post-court moves and running up and down the court, but it is unclear yet whether he will participate in the scrimmages involving the entire team tomorrow.

The coaching staff have expressed their desire to get Howard into the contact training as soon as possible but have also mentioned how they are willing to wait for Howard to get back to 100%.Mike Brown stated ‘I plan on him being there, but I also have a plan if he cannot’. Howard himself has also claimed ‘I’m not playing until I’m 100%’.

This is great news for Lakers fans. As much as we want to see Superman playing as soon as possible, we need him to rest up until he is at 100% to assist the Lakers into chasing the championship. Will we see Howard on Sunday’s pre-season match up? I’d be happy either way, as long as he’s ready.

…and that is the last word.