Lakers "hopeful" Andrew Bynum plays in season opener

[duncan228]

Jackson's Preseason Presser here.

Phil Jackson doesn't expect Andrew Bynum for start of season
By Kurt Helin

Laker fans have not been very optimistic about -- or feeling very positive about -- Andrew Bynum lately.

You can add Phil Jackson to that group. Here's what he said at his press conference Friday (via Lakers.com reporter Mike Trudell).

"I don't see how Andrew is going to be ready, and I really haven't anticipated him being ready at the beginning of the season. The type of surgery that the doctor did on his knee takes a little extra time. We hadn't prepared, and Andrew certainly hadn't prepared ... he could have come in a little bit earlier, but the end result is what he's going to be like in May and June and that's what's important.

"Andrew had an opportunity to play under the limitations of his injury (in the 2010 playoffs), which really limited his movement and how much he could throw himself into the game and the amount of minutes he could play. Andrew really made a point to help the team to the championship, even though he was at 70 percent of what he could possibly do, and it really helped us out."

Phil is right. Better to let Bynum rest now, come back fully healthy and be ready to go than to race back and have a lingering issue for months. We know Bynum is a slow healer. If this takes longer, so be it.

Jackson added that the Lakers encouraged Bynum to get away from the game, to go to the World Cup. He delayed surgery but was assured that the two-month healing time frame should have back in time. It took longer. Jackson was not worked up about it. Then again, he doesn't really get worked up about much.

Jackson did say that Kobe's knee is doing well and he may play a little during the Lakers European vacation this preseason (games in London and Barcelona). Even a few minutes of Kobe there will make the ticket buyers happy. He can jack up a couple unrealistic threes for them (and hit one, because he does that).

[21_Blessings]

but the end result is what he's going to be like in May and June and that's what's important.

"Andrew had an opportunity to play under the limitations of his injury (in the 2010 playoffs), which really limited his movement and how much he could throw himself into the game and the amount of minutes he could play. Andrew really made a point to help the team to the championship, even though he was at 70 percent of what he could possibly do, and it really helped us out."[/INDENT]
.

Good ing luck to whatever Eastern Conference Basketball pretender that has the misfortune to see a relatively healthy Bynum in June.

[Giuseppe]

"Andrew had an opportunity to play under the limitations of his injury (in the 2010 playoffs), which really limited his movement and how much he could throw himself into the game and the amount of minutes he could play. Andrew really made a point to help the team to the championship, even though he was at 70 percent of what he could possibly do, and it really helped us out."

That's it, and that's all.

[Ashy Larry]

70% ??? Dude was around 40% at best ....... hopefully we have a 90% Bynum in May

[Killakobe81]

70% ??? Dude was around 40% at best ....... hopefully we have a 90% Bynum in May

i would say about 70% in the beginning but was 40% by the time he finished Perkins. I did not wish that injury on Kendrick, but with all that smug Celtic about "well we havent lost a le when healthy" ...that ended up biting doc in the proverbial ass. Don't tempt the basketball Gods with hubris. Take your losses like a man, no excuses ... We have won back to back without much from baby drew ...we may (will) need him to beat the heat, Magic or Celtics this year though ...

[duncan228]

Lakers’ Bynum likely out until late November
By Greg Beacham

Although Andrew Bynum has showed up on time for training camp with the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers, he’ll be back on the court even later than his coach expected.

The Lakers’ starting center said Saturday he won’t play until at least late November while recovering from surgery on his right knee.

Bynum had his knee drained twice during the playoffs and a third time after Los Angeles won its second straight le. He then postponed surgery so he could make a trip to Europe and South Africa, attending the World Cup and going on safari.

Bynum’s teammates say they aren’t worried about his absence after a short offseason.

The Lakers are in camp earlier than normal to prepare for a European tour next month.

[Koolaid_Man]

Can't win les in October and November ...... just be healthy for March, April, May and June.

I'm hoping we sit Bynum til Jan 1 so that he can be well rested for the play-offs...Talk about advantage Lakers. We don't need Bynum to beat Miami and we proved that we didn't really need him to beat Boston...but he did come in handy in getting Perk out of the series...

[HarlemHeat37]

LOL Bynum out until late November because he postponed surgery to watch the World Cup..this guy just doesn't get it, and he looks like he never will..it's a shame, because he has a serious amount of talent to compliment his size..

[Quit Hatin']

LOL Bynum out until late November because he postponed surgery to watch the World Cup..this guy just doesn't get it, and he looks like he never will..it's a shame, because he has a serious amount of talent to compliment his size..

Dude's still gonna kick your ass when the time is right. lol bosh trying to stop bynum.

Quit Hatin'

[Lukor]

Bynum is a bum. All potential no heart.