Lakers’ Dwight Howard (shoulder) cleared to play against Jazz

According to the Lakers, Dwight Howard has been cleared to play Friday after seeing a shoulder specialist.

Dr. James Tibone examined Howard on Thursday, confirming “there is no further damage,” after Howard re-aggravated the shoulder Wednesday night as the Lakers lost in Memphis to the Grizzlies, 106-93.

Originally injured Jan. 4 by Caron Butler of the Clippers, Howard made it through one more game before sitting out three with what was originally called a torn labrum.

Howard later clarified that the labrum itself was not torn but stripped from the bone.

The Lakers’ center has sat three games this season, all defeats.

The Lakers will host the Utah Jazz at Staples Center, a team they’ve lost to four times this year (including preseason).

Friday will be the final meeting between the Lakers (17-25) and Jazz (23-19). Given the six games separating the two teams, it seems unlikely the Lakers have any real chance at overtaking the seventh-seeded Jazz.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.