Wizards center Howard out 2-3 months after back surgery

By Agence France-Presse

Washington Wizards center Dwight Howard had back surgery on Friday to address a herniated disc that was causing nerve irritation and gluteal pain and will miss two to three months, the NBA team said.

The Wizards issued a statement saying the lumbar microdiscectomy “went as planned with no complications” in Los Angeles.

“Howard’s progress will be re-evaluated in approximately two to three months,” the Wizards said.

Howard had missed five games after aggravating the injury, which also caused him to miss training camp and the first seven games of the season.

The Wizards inked Howard to an $11 million, two-year contract in the off-season and the 32-year-old is averaging 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds in nine games for Washington.

The Wizards are Howard’s fourth team in four seasons and the sixth of his NBA career.