Lakers Bynum Suffers from Strained Tendon, Not Certain When to Return

The Los Angeles Lakers are carefully optimistic that Andrew Bynum, whose tendon is not actually torn, will be able to return despite his injury in as early as two weeks. Achilles’ heel However, according to Lakers coach Phil Jackson, there is no definite timetable on Bynum’s return to court. There is no prediction yet as to when Bynum will be able to play for the team. Andrew Bynum injured his tendon during the early parts of the third quarter, during the Los Angeles Lakers win against Minnesota on Friday evening. Jackson is quoted as saying that there is nothing definite yet about his return. In the same way, they are clueless as to what the results of the therapy will be. At least, according to Jackson, Bynum is feeling a whole lot better as the days continue to progress. Fortunately, the injury was not as grave as the Lakers first supposed, as shown by the MRI results on Saturday. The results showed that no tears were found on Bynum’s heel. However, Jackson recognized how the conditioning of Bynum has suffered. Moreover, the Lakers’ general caution with their injury-prone center could very well keep him out of court, or until the playoffs in the middle of April. On the road to recovery It’s very difficult to stay in good shape when you have an injury in your  heel or when you have a leg injury, according to Jackson. All your moves will need adjustments, and this includes having to take off, land, or perform all your power moves. During the Lakers’ home game on Sunday against Washington Redskins, Bynum was inactive, and during the consequent five-game road trip, he won’t be playing with the Los Angeles Lakers as well. On an average, he is collecting 15 points and 8.3 rebounds during the present season, placing third on both divisions for the Lakers. Although Bynum admits to experiencing pain and swelling on his heel, he can get from one place to another using a plastic walking boot. He is expecting to recover to participate in the Lakers’ home game in Utah on April 2, but he understands he may not be at his best shape by the time they resume from the road. Nothing new Bynum has had to deal with major injuries in the past, although this pro center has been considered as one of the best talents of the NBA during the previous seasons. Due to a dislocated left knee, he had to miss 46 games for the 2007 to 2008 season. For the previous season, he sat out 32 games due to a right knee injury. Jackson is thankful that for the present year, Bynum has two months more of playing time. He also hopes that Bynum’s present injury will just be short-lived. Lamar Odom was shifted back into the starting lineup of the Laker, with Paul Gasol moving to center from power forward. Odom maintains more than one position for the Lakers, often as a guard, but he will do best by defending big players while Bynum is recuperating.