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The Los Angeles Lakers have ruled Dwight Howard out of their exhibition opener on Oct. 7 as the center continues to recover from a back injury.
While there is no current timetable for his return, the team said he will not be ready for the start of training camp or the beginning of preseason. Howard had surgery last April to repair a herniated disk and missed the rest of the 2012 season and the Olympics.
Howard recently began working with the Lakers' training staff as he continues his recovery. Lakers officials said there have been no setbacks in the rehabilitation process. Howard is currently working on core stabilization and strength training while also doing some light running and shooting.
The Lakers open their season Oct. 30 at home against the Dallas Mavericks.
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