For the first time since having back surgery six months ago, Dwight Howard participated in full-court five-on-five scrimmages.

As far as when Howard will actually step on the court, though? It won’t happen Wednesday when the Lakers play the Portland Trail Blazers in Ontario. Howard wouldn’t say if he’d be ready for the Lakers’ preseason game Saturday against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center.

“I’m getting there,” Howard said. “I’m getting better.”

via Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Times