ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard will have back surgery in Los Angeles on Friday, ending his season and keeping him out of the Olympic Games in London.
Howard has been out for the last two weeks after he was diagnosed with a herniated disc.
Officials with the Magic said despite sitting out the last few games, his condition hasn't improved.
"In consultation between Dr. Robert Watkins and the Orlando Magic medical staff, surgery has been deemed necessary. The recommendation has been agreed upon by all medical personnel involved," said a team spokesman.
Watkins will perform the surgery Friday.
The news comes after Local 6 Sports Director David Pingalore reported that Howard told Magic Owner Rick DeVos he no longer wanted to play for head coach Stan Van Gundy.
Earlier in the month, Van Gundy admitted that Howard wanted him fired.