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Though it was expected the 20-year-old center wouldn't return for the playoffs, the Lakers are now concerned his recovery could extend into the summer or beyond.By Steve SpringerLos Angeles Times Staff Writer3:49 PM PDT, May 5, 2008Lakers center Andrew Bynum, his January knee injury still preventing him from returning to the court, will seek a second medical opinion, the Lakers said Monday. He will see Dr. Steven Gecha on Wednesday in Princeton, N.J.While it had been expected that Bynum, 20, would not be back for this postseason, this decision would appear to not only cement that scenario but it also creates concern that Bynum's recovery could extend into the summer or beyond.Bynum injured his left knee on Jan. 13, suffering a bone bruise and briefly dislocated kneecap. The healing process has been overseen by Lakers doctors and New York knee specialist David Altchek.Bynum has yet to engage in a full practice. It is still difficult for him to put the full weight of his 7-foot, 285-pound frame on both legs and one-on-one drills have caused swelling in the injured knee.He has one year left on his contract, after which he'll be a restricted free agent. The Lakers this summer could offer Bynum a five-year extension for up to $80 million on top of the remaining year of his contract.If his upcoming exam reveals new complications, however, that extension could be put on hold.
the Lakers medical staff have truly "Kwame'd" the ball on Andrewand have now put his 08-09 season in jeapordy as well.
the truth is, they really don't need him anyway right now.
Andrew Bynum is getting another medical opinion on his left knee and could undergo surgery depending on the results of an exam Wednesday with knee specialist Steven Gecha in Princeton, N.J.Bynum has already consulted with a specialist outside of the Lakers -- David Altchek of New York.Gecha is somewhat familiar with Bynum, having performed an unspecified operation on Bynum's right knee when Bynum was 12 years old.Bynum, 20, has been sidelined since Jan. 13 because of a bone bruise in his left knee and briefly dislocated kneecap. He still feels pain in the knee, making surgery a prime option as his on-court absence edges closer to four months.Surgery could delay a contract extension for Bynum, who is signed for one more season at $2.8 million but can begin negotiating in July an extension of up to five additional years and about $80 million.The Lakers presumably want to see a healthy and productive Bynum before investing so much in him.It is unclear how long he would be sidelined if he underwent surgery.
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