Dwight Howard cleared for Lakers debut Sunday

Dwight Howard will make preseason debut Sunday vs. the Kings
Howard had been out for six months after back surgery
Howard was acquired in a trade this offseason by the Lakers

The Lakers' Dwight Howard, center, watches Friday night's preseason game from the bench in Las Vegas. The Sacramento Kings beat the Los Angeles Lakers 103-98.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dwight Howard is set to make his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers in a preseason game against the Sacramento Kings.

Coach Mike Brown says Howard is in the Lakers' starting lineup Sunday night with no restrictions on his playing time.

Howard will debut just more than six months after the six-time All-Star center had surgery on his back.

Howard didn't play in the first five preseason games for the Lakers, who acquired him from the Orlando Magic in August. The Lakers have been cautious, but Howard participated in full practices with his new teammates each day during training camp.

Brown says he'll play his starters more extensively in the Lakers' final three preseason games to build chemistry for the regular season. Howard will start alongside Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace in Los Angeles' frontcourt.

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