Coach Frank Vogel said Thursday that Howard will start Friday's game against the Clippers, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Howard came off the bench in Tuesday's win over the Kings and totaled 12 points, 13 rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 35 minutes. Vogel added that Howard shouldn't be considered the long-term starter, and the starting job at center will be evaluated on a game-by-game basis.

Howard recorded 12 points (5-7 FG, 2-3 FT), 13 rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 35 minutes during Tuesday's 117-92 win over the Kings.

EDGE Analysis

Tuesday marked Howard's first double-double of the season, and it was his best overall game of the campaign when also considering his defensive numbers. He started the second half ahead of DeAndre Jordan, who played just four minutes. With LeBron James (COVID-19 protocols) out for several games, it will be interesting to see if Howard earns coach Frank Vogel's trust during this stretch.

Howard (neck) is available for Thursday's game against the Thunder.

EDGE Analysis

Howard was upgraded to probable hours before tip, so this announcement comes as no surprise. He's averaging 4.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in 15.3 minutes per contest through six games this season.

Howard (neck) has been upgraded to probable ahead of Thursday's game against Oklahoma City, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Howard missed the last two games with a sore neck, but he appears to be on track to return Thursday. He's averaged 4.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in 15.2 minutes per game across his first six appearances of the season.

Howard (neck) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Thunder, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

After sitting out the previous two games with neck soreness, Howard is questionable for Thursday's matchup. In six games this season, the 35-year-old has averaged 4.3 points and 4.0 rebounds.

Howard (neck) is out Tuesday against the Rockets, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Neck soreness will keep Howard out for a second straight game. That should create more opportunities for DeAndre Jordan.

Howard (neck) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Rockets, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Lakers are already banged up a few weeks into the season, and Howard is one of the latest additions to the injury report. He was held out of Sunday's matchup due to neck soreness and will need to prove his health during shootaround to make a return at home against Houston.

Updating a previous report, Howard (neck) will not play in Sunday's game against Houston, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Lakers initially said that Howard would play through a neck issue, but less than 15 minutes later the team reversed course and announced that the big man will sit out. Expect DeAndre Jordan to soak up most of the backup center minutes behind Anthony Davis.

Howard (neck) will be available for Sunday's game against Houston, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

A stiff neck landed Howard in "game-time decision" territory, but after testing it out in pregame, he's been given the green light to play. Howard will likely split minutes off the bench with DeAndre Jordan as the Lakers start Anthony Davis at center for the first time this season.

Howard (neck) will be a game-time call for Sunday's matchup against Houston, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The big man was added to the injury report due to a stiff neck, and it looks like the Lakers will wait to see if it loosens up prior to the 10:30 PM ET tip. If Howard is cleared, he'll serve in his usual role of 15-to-20 minutes off the bench behind Anthony Davis and DeAndre Jordan.