Wizards' Howard undergoes back surgery, to be re-evaluated in 2-3 months

Dwight Howard underwent an L4 and L5 lumbar microdiscectomy Friday and will be re-evaluated in two to three months, the Washington Wizards announced.

The recovery time projects a January or February return to action for Howard. The 33-year-old center aggravated a piriformis muscle injury earlier this month. He hasn't suited up for the Wizards since Nov. 18.

Howard signed with Washington over the summer and has an opt-out on his contract after this season. He's averaging 12.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and a career-low 0.4 blocks in nine games so far.