Five months after back surgery, All-Star center Dwight Howard has targeted his Los Angeles Lakers debut for opening night of the 2012-13 season, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Howard is determined to play against the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 30 at Staples Center, and his progress in recent weeks has strengthened the possibility, sources said.

Howard has privately indicated his back has returned to 85 percent strength, sources said. He had surgery for a herniated disc in April and still needs doctor’s clearance to engage in full training-camp activities with the Lakers. Los Angeles opens its training camp Tuesday.

The Lakers have been reluctant to make public a timetable on Howard’s return, and have maintained a cautious approach to protect his long-term health.

via Adrian Wojnarowski of YAHOO! Sports