Lakers' Dwight Howard a game-time decision; Pau Gasol still out

Lakers big men Pau Gasol, left, and Dwight Howard have been out of the lineup for most of January. (Stephen Dunn / Getty Images / November 20, 2012)

By Mike Bresnahan

January 13, 2013, 11:30 a.m.

Lakers center Dwight Howard is a game-time decision Sunday against Cleveland after missing three games because of a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

He has worked out with Lakers trainers the last few days and might return a bit earlier than expected.

Howard was initially injured Jan. 4 against the Clippers and showed no ill effects in the Lakers' next game, tying his career-high with 26 rebounds against Denver. But his shoulder continued to bother him and an MRI exam showed a slight tear, forcing him to the sidelines.

Pau Gasol will miss his fourth game because of a concussion. He did some light shooting and elliptical work Sunday morning but was not cleared to play against Cleveland, Lakers Coach Mike D'Antoni said.

The Lakers (15-21) have lost six consecutive games and are only 10-9 at home.

They play Milwaukee on Tuesday and Miami on Thursday. Both games are at Staples Center.

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Comments (4)

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jehd00 at 4:46 PM January 13, 2013

It's not up to the player to be cleared but that his was flagrant. It was not a play on the ball when getting the rebound and that play could've cost the game since Lakers would've retained possesion after the free throws.

BigTone1970 at 4:08 PM January 13, 2013

Did I miss something?? Pau took a vicious elbow, but damn, a whole week to recover??? Give me a break. Pau needs to go see the Wizard of Oz for a heart....

onegoodrsn at 3:54 PM January 13, 2013

That was the Nuggetts' payback for Howard's hard foul on Faried last time except Howard got kicked out and flagrant 2 while McGee was not assessed any flagrant foul.

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