Bynum Not Making Much Progress/Ariza Doubtful for 1st Round

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

BYNUM LIMITED
By CURTIS ZUPKE
The Orange County Register

The progress, or digress report from injured center Andrew Bynum did not sound good:

“I still have a little bit of pain but jumping, running, backpedaling and quick change of directions are still a problem,” Bynum said when he talked to the media before the game.

Bynum got back from New York this week after his knee specialist, Dr. David Altchek, did not clear him to practice. It was a serious setback in his rehabilitation from a bone bruise and briefly dislocated left knee suffered in January.

Bynum was uncertain if the second round of the playoffs would be his ideal target date.

“I hope to be ready by then,” he said. “Nobody knows. A couple of weeks from now might be good. It might not be good.”

Bynum said he wasn't concerned about being hurried back too soon or being misdiagnosed. He said Altchek and the Lakers' medical personnel have been on the same page.

Bynum isn't sure when he will be examined again.

He was understandably disappointed by the setback.

“It's the worst,” he said. “We have an opportunity to go deep in the playoffs and to not to be a part of that is tough.”

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/l...3-andrew-bynum
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Ariza still hurting too
By Mike Bresnahan, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
April 12, 2008

Bynum wasn't the only member of the Lakers to receive unfavorable medical news this week.

Forward Trevor Ariza is doubtful for the start of the playoffs after a CT scan Friday morning showed that a broken bone in his right foot still had not fully healed.

Ariza will be examined again in two weeks, Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said.

Ariza, however, was approved to increase his running on an anti-gravity treadmill from 70% to 80% of his body weight this week. He will increase it to 90% next week.

Ariza has been out since Jan. 20. The Lakers end the regular season Tuesday against Sacramento and begin the playoffs either April 19 or, more likely, April 20.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/basket...,5269645.story

[ElNono]

Nothing any sane non-Laker fan knew already. They're both done for the season.

[DaDakota]

If Bynum is out it significantly lowers my expectations for the Lakers, and IMHO, opens up the West to about 4 or 5 teams.

San Antonio
Phoenix
Lakers
New Orleans
Utah

And if they get lucky 2 others.

Houston
Dallas

Just so wide open.

DD