Via Mike Bresnahan of the LA Times:
and might not play Thursday night, Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said.
Bynum has been slowed by torn cartilage in the knee since April 30
after hyperextending it in the first round against Oklahoma City. He did
not take part in the team's Thursday shoot-around.
Will he play in Game 4 of the NBA finals?
"I'm not positive about that," Jackson said. "He had a little bit of a
struggle this morning. He's going to try it."
Bynum has been a defensive presence for the Lakers against the Boston
Celtics, averaging 13.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocked shots
through three games. The Lakers lead the best-of-seven series, 2-1.
Bynum was hopeful he would play after aggravating the knee in Game 3
while blocking the shot of Celtics center Kendrick Perkins.
"This close to the championship, I've got to play," Bynum said
Wednesday afternoon. He was not available for comment Thursday.
If Bynum can't play, Pau Gasol moves to center and Lamar Odom comes
off the bench to start at power forward, a lineup that didn't fare well
two years ago when the Lakers lost to the Celtics in the finals in six
games.
Deep down, in my heart of hearts, I'm hoping Bynum can't go. He's been a major force in this series and his absence will certainly hurt the Lakers.
Look for the refs to slap Perk with a (suspension inducing) technical foul if Bynum sits out. It will be their way of evening things out. I kid… kinda.
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