Lakers all-star center Dwight Howard reinjured his right shoulder Wednesday night with just 6:57 left in the game against the Phoenix Suns. The current severity of the injury is unknown, and although Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni thinks Howard can play through the injury, the organization is still waiting for a doctor's opinion, according to Examiner.
Howard had injured his right labrum earlier this month and plans to let it rest in order to get healthy and prevent future injury. "I'm going to try as much as I can but I don't want to cause more damage to my shoulder," Howard said during a press conference after the game.
While Howard is looking out for his health and the future of his team, fellow Laker Kobe Bryant is more concerned with the team's immediate future. Bryant claims that Howard should be able to play through the pain, just like he did in 2003, according to The Bleacher Report.
"That's how those types of injuries are with the labrum. I've had them before... It's one of those things when you get banged like that going up, you're going to get that stinging sensation. That's just how it's going to be," Bryant said after the game.
The injury also resurfaces the trade rumors surrounding Howard. According to ESPN Los Angeles, the Lakers have considered trading Howard due to his faltering relationship with Coach D'Antoni. Howard has not publicly expressed desire to sign with another team, however has indicated that he's not happy with his role under D'Antoni. It's also been made public that the Lakers have made several trade inquiries for Howard, although they have rejected them all.
The injury certainly raises speculation as to what the Lakers will do with Howard, and now that they're stuck with a 20-26 record and perhaps without their starting center, their future looks grim. Something's got to give.
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