Just more than five months removed from back surgery, Dwight Howard played in the Los Angeles Lakers’ first practice of the season Tuesday without limitation, participating in the same set of drills and activities as his teammates.

While Howard already has been ruled out of the Lakers’ preseason opener Oct. 7, according to the team, the All-Star center said he wants to play in an exhibition or two before the regular season tips off Oct. 30.

“Hopefully, I’ll be back for some preseason games,” Howard said. “I think we’re going to need it for chemistry and all that stuff. But, like I said, I’m not going to rush it. I’m going to continue to practice. We’ve had some great practices. Today was really good, so I’m happy.”

A source who witnessed Howard at the portion of practice that was closed to the media described Howard’s level of play to ESPNLosAngeles.com as “unbelievable.”

“He was dunking everything in sight,” the source said. “He looks like he can play in an NBA game today.”

via Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles