Big ‘Drew: Will He Ever Return?

 When Andrew Bynum injured his knee back on January 13, the so-called “experts” said that he would be back in eight weeks. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe that it has been nearly thirteen weeks since this initial projection. Bynum has missed forty-two games thus far, and it does not appear that he will return before the playoffs start. Just a few days ago, the Los Angeles Times reported that Andrew could be back in time to take on the Spurs on Sunday night, which would have provided him with two games of full-speed basketball before the playoffs. Unfortunately, it now seems that he will be thrust back into action sometime during the playoffs.

Andrew Bynum went to New York on Wednesday to visit the accomplished Dr. David Altchek. Altchek was Bynum’s doctor during high school (Bynum did not attend college) and he is also the doctor for the best baseball team in New York, the Metropolitans. Altchek did not clear Bynum and there is no certainty as to when he will be able to finally return to the lineup. About two weeks ago, coach Phil Jackson said that Bynum would be out for the entire regular season, but I guess that it just suits the greedy mind of an L.A. sports fan to want Drew back as soon as possible.

In the end, holding Bynum out until he is 100% ready to go is by far the best scenario, seeing as the Lakers have already secured a playoff spot. Plus, even without him for the first few games of the playoffs, the Lakers would secure a second-round berth regardless of their first round opponent. And by the time he does get back, the Lakers will have arguably the best starting five in all of basketball: Fisher, Bryant, Odom, Gasol, Bynum. GAME OVER.