There’s one question that continues to pick at Dwight Howard. When will you return?

The more important query looms in the distance. Will Howard be with the Lakers next October?

He’s in the last year of a contract paying him $19.5 million this season and is in the long-term Lakers’ plans. He just doesn’t want to discuss whether they’re in his future plans.

“I’m not going to get into that stuff,” Howard said Friday in a quiet moment before the Lakers last to Sacramento, 103-98, in an exhibition game at Thomas and Mack Center.

“I’m happy that I’m here. This year is very important, and I’m looking forward to doing some great things here.”

via Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times