Orlando Magic centre Dwight Howard will remain in Los Angeles instead of joining his team during the upcoming NBA playoffs, according to a report by the Orlando Sentinel.
Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy said Tuesday that Howard will continue to rehabilitate his back after his recent surgery, and will do so in Los Angeles instead of Orlando.
Howard underwent season-ending surgery Saturday to repair a herniated disc in his back.
This news comes in the wake of a tumultuous season between Howard and Van Gundy, during which Howard has reportedly requested to be traded twice.
The Magic are currently seeded sixth in the Eastern Conference, and will open the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers, a team they have defeated in three of four games this season.
