Andrew Bynum Injury Update: Will Not Return Until Playoffs

Ryan WardMar 28, 2009

It is looking like the same old story with Andrew Bynum as the time table for the big man's return is once again uncertain, but Phil Jackson says Bynum will be back for the beginning of the playoffs.

Last season's injury to Bynum's knee was very similar to this year's injury with the timing, type of injury and now the uncertainty of his return to the floor. This time around though people are a lot more optimistic about his return to the Lakers lineup with talk of the big kid returning for the playoffs instead of eventually being out for the season last year.

The Lakers are playing great basketball right now! The team chemistry is clicking, Trevor Ariza's move to the starting lineup seems to be working out and Kobe Bryant at times doesn't even have to play in the fourth quarter. The problem is that the Lakers are much better all around team, especially on defense, when Bynum is in the paint. I do think that the Lakers can still make a run at a title without Bynum like they did last season, but with Andrew back in the lineup the Lakers get a much needed boost on defense.

Although in my opinion the Los Angeles Lakers are the best team in the league right now, they are not with out flaws in their game. The defense is improved from the defenseless team last season, but there are definitely still some problems on the defensive end.

Much like the defense, the bench play is good for the Lakers, but not great like it was last season. Two players that came up huge last year in Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic aren't having their best year. Both players have been dealing with injuries pretty much all season long.

Bottom line is that the Lakers need Andrew Bynum back in the lineup as soon as possible. With Bynum back on the floor the Lakers, in my opinion, have by far the best chance of winning an NBA title this season.

Check out Andrew Bynum's rehab training that he went through after last season's injury:
Andrew Bynum's Rehab