Not that most fans are counting exhibition game wins in the preseason, but it could be noted that the Lakers are still winless. Dwight Howard’s return could give the likes of Pau and Kobe a bit of an energy boost, having a chance to finally play with the big man.
Howard has been ruled out for the game, though Lakers coach Mike Brown plans to play Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Steve Nash. Howard said he would “be a little nervous out there for the first time” when he makes his game debut, but the fact that he is talking more openly about playing in an exhibition game suggests that it’s not far off.
The Lakers’ final three exhibition games are Sunday night vs. Sacramento at Staples Center and then a back-to-back set Oct. 24 against the Clippers and Oct. 25 against the Kings in San Diego. Brown said he will give his main players the chance to “finish the game and get a win” in those three games, possibly also Friday night in Las Vegas.
Brown has not prioritized winning exhibition games — the Lakers are 0-4 — and Howard’s debut does figure to energize the Lakers, even though he has already been practicing fully.
(h/t to Orange County Register)
