Early word: Eight weeks
ESPN.com is reporting that Andrew Bynum won't need surgery, but will miss eight weeks or so with a subluxation of the left kneecap. In layman's terms, that's a dislocated kneecap. (For more about subluxation, consult this link, or visit your local library.) I'm sure more info will filter in, and we'll have our reaction to the news ASAP, but it's fair to say that while the news could have been better... it could have been an awful lot worse, too.
BK
Update (1:27 pm): The Lakers have released their official word on the MRI results. Not much different than what was in the initial report from ESPN, except that they mention that Bynum also suffered a bruise of the left knee, and they added the words "minimum of" in front of "eight weeks" in describing the time frame. The team did cap the very brief report with the chipper news that Bynum is "expected to make a full recovery."
Obviously, he might come back a little earlier, he might come back a little later. But nobody should count on the former. At quick check, though, it does appear that on an eight week timetable, Bynum has enough time to come back and get into a groove before the playoffs. So that's good.
The Lakers were ripping through opponents so hard that by game time a few days ago they were favored to beat Milwaukee by 14 points. You could bet $220 bucks to win $100 bucks that they wouldn't beat the Bucks by more than 18 points! At one point in the game one of the younger Lakers guards went flying through the middle of the Bucks defense trying to show off how great he was, ended up flinging a pass in no particular direction that should have gone out of bounds. Instead, this 9-foot Bynum arm shot out and latched onto the ball and lofted it straight into the hoop. That is exactly what Bynum brings to the Lakers: he turns their crap into gold.
When Lamar is being a bonehead and Luke becomes a defensive liability, the Lakers still have Kobe and Fisher to stabilize things. After that Bynum carries the team across the threshold of reliability, out of the random cold chance of instability into flat-out dominance.
Now, without Bynum, games like tonight's against Seattle go from being laughers to being white-knuckle affairs. Just as bad is the systemic imbalance that BK touched on. Everybody has to strain themselves that much harder just to keep up with mediocre teams now. The amount of extra effort needed to win can easily lead to further injuries on the part of other players, especilaly those most responsible for the team's success, (Kobe, Lamar, Kwame).
But really the worst part of seeing Bynum dressed in street clothes lies in missing the pure joy of watching him grow up and blossom and beat NBA player after NBA player in game after game. That has been such a treat to watch!
Posted by: guity | January 14, 2008 at 04:54 PM
So the Lakers have gone 19-9 in the 28 games that Bynum took over as the
starting center.
Interestingly enough, he's expected to be out about 28 games with this injury.
If the Lakers go the same 19-9 over the upcoming 28 games, I'll take back
everything bad I've ever said about Kwame Brown (but not of his delusional,
wannabe lover/stalker/cellmate).
Posted by: Bzar | January 14, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Breaking news: L.A., Orange and Ventura county hospitals prepare for higher incidences of Kwame-induced aneurysms.
Posted by: puddle | January 14, 2008 at 04:58 PM
8 weeks of Kwame?? OMG!!! This is a nightmare, can't be happening.
2 years of Smush and now I have to watch the Kwame Comedy Show for 2 months?? I will never get my stress under control this way. Going from thoughts of maybe we can reach the Finals to God I hope we make the playoffs is tough. These injuries are starting to feel like a curse has been put on the Lakers, wonder if MikeT knows anything about it?
Kobe , the Laker Fans are counting on you to show the way. Go Kobe!!
Go Lakers and surprise the NBA!!!
BD
Posted by: BD | January 14, 2008 at 04:58 PM
e.johnson,
>>>People, calm down. The Lakers were not going to make the championship
>>>this year anyway. So without Bynum they lose a few games....and get a
>>>better draft pick to help next year.
Nice thought, actually.
The Lakers are still a shade below the Spurs, Celtics, and Pistons, and
are about equal to the Maverics, Suns, and Jazz. So it would have taken
a lot of luck to pull off a championship this season, even if the Lakers were
a top 4 seed. And they'd still have had to gone through 2 or 3 good teams
in the West to get to the finals.
So other than home court, what does it matter if they're a 1-4 seed or a 5-8
seed?
Now theycan lay in the weeds. Slide down to that 7 seed, and then get
Bynum back with a month to play so he can get back into the groove. At
the end of the season, they'll be playing like a well oiled machine (like
they are now). So they take on Dallas or Phoenix or San Antonio in the
first round, so what. If they're back to playing like they are right now by
the playoffs, I'd still give the Lakers a fighting chance in that series.
And as a bonus, instead of getting a #27 pick in the draft, the Lakers will
get a #21 pick, or something like that
And STILL make it to the Western Conference Finals!!! Go Drew, get well
soon (but don't rush it). Go Kwame, get your mojo back! Go Mitch, find a
fill-in front court player! Go Lakers, WCF or bust!!!
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 14, 2008 at 04:59 PM
latopia,
He's never had knee problems before, so hopefully we're okay.
Blog,
Did Michael Teniente actually wish an injury on Bynum?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 14, 2008 at 05:02 PM
As lengthy and fun the regular season is, the only thing that matters to me is how we do in the playoffs. If Bynum get back a month before the playoffs start we should have our chemistry and rhythm back. Maybe as a bonus we'll have a better conditioned back-up center (Kwame).
Having said this, I still would like another big as a backup for 8 weeks. Suggestions: Webber, PJ Brown, J. McCoy, DeClerq, Antonio Davis
Posted by: rdlee | January 14, 2008 at 05:03 PM
sixonezero,
I've already drank a full bottle of pepto... but I'm still feeling horrible about this...
I'm now drinking scotch straight from the bottle. I'm hoping that when I wake up, I will find it was all a dream.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | January 14, 2008 at 05:05 PM
It's terrible news about Bynum but it is my feeling that even without throwing in Bynumite, the Lakers will still play .700 ball.
The biggest difference between Bynum and no Bynum is winning by 20 points or by 5 points. With Bynum, the Lakers practically dominated the opponents. Without him, they still get the win but it isn't by 20 points.
The Lakers have no problems scoring and I suspect that will continue. The Lakers might be a better defensive unit now.
So I'm predicting it now, .700 ball while Bynumite's out...800 ball with Bynum back.
Go Kwame and the Lakers!
Posted by: Bynumite | January 14, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Copied from an earlier post following the Hornets' game:
"On a more serious issue, I will not be enthralled by the Lakers's current play until 60 games has at least passed during the season. The Lakers started on the same track last year but debunked due to a myriad of reasons. The upgrade and development of personnel does stengthen our team, but let me remind everyone that it only takes one injury in the current starting lineup to jeopardize the Lakers' chances of winning"
I knew this was coming....
Posted by: never | January 14, 2008 at 05:07 PM
A stunning and devestating blow--to me at least. Maybe I need to get life or a 4th job or whatever, but darn, I want my mommy.
Wes
Posted by: | January 14, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Speaking of Shaq and Bynum, I don't want Shaq anywhere near the kid. Kobe's bad enough; Bynum doesn't need to be mentored by another player who's ego destroyed an dynasty. What's Shaq gonna teach him, work ethic?
Wes
Posted by: | January 14, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Enough.
Don't really care what the Lakers' record will be. I'd take 41/41 as long as we get to the playoffs with a healthy team. In 8 weeks Bynum will be go to good. Suns. . Spurs. . Mavs .. . Celtics . . Being them on.
Posted by: p ang | January 14, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Tim-4-show
I'll have to wait and see how they look tonight. Hopefully i won't be going to AA meetings a month from now.
Band of Brothers!!! Everyone will expect us to lay down and die. The whole mantra of one game at a time will have to be shrunk down to one possession at a time.
I support who ever steps on the hard wood. If you ain't a Laker fan then guess what.... you're a garbage KNICK FAN.
LIGHTS OUT!!! GO LAKES!!!
Posted by: sixonezero | January 14, 2008 at 05:23 PM
With Bynum on R & R, this is Lakers opportunity to develop the remaining players. If they survive a decent winning percentage and stay in the 4th seed, there is brighter future in the playoffs.
Our biggest drawback right now is a sub for Kwame, we have only Ronnie and LO with decent height but small for a Center. That vacant position has to be filled up. I go for imports Marc Gasol or Sofoklis Schorsanitis (was drafted by Clippers in '03 but never played with them). What we really need is D and R.? Don't expect the new C as an offensive threat or learn the triangle soonest.
Here are my suggested line up
1 Fish/Farmar/Karl
2 Kobe/Crittenton
3 Ariza/Walton
4 LO/Ronnie
5Kwame/LO
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 14, 2008 at 05:27 PM
The Lake show,
Great info. Thanks.
Faith,
Thanks for the optimisim, a little goes a long way right now.
Now, the real culprit in the Bynum fiasco is TURIAF!
That's right, it's his fault.
Why?
His birthday is cursed. Wasn't at his B-day party that Kwame got entangled with a piece of cake? And now, one year later, on the same guy’s birthday, this happens?
It's the Turiaf curse.
Wes
Posted by: | January 14, 2008 at 05:28 PM
Don't really care what the Lakers' record will be. I'd take 41/41 as long as we get to the playoffs with a healthy team. In 8 weeks Bynum will be go to good. Suns. . Spurs. . Mavs .. . Celtics . . Being them on.
Posted by: p ang | January 14
TRUE DAT
crappy record going in to the playoffs with a healthy team is better than limping in to the playoffs with a 60 win reg season.
Posted by: sixonezero | January 14, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Jon K.
Yes he did wish an injury on Drew. Said something like "When it happens you will all think of me and wonder how I did it. All that matters is that I'm proven right".
LTLF
Kwame Gump.......LMAO
Posted by: Eric M | January 14, 2008 at 05:31 PM
I think the injury is what it is. It happens and it could of been worse. If you look at the bright side from Mike T's perspective, bynum gets to rest before the playoffs and not get over used by PJ and was his concern, lol.
Also Kwame now has time to make or break his contract year make make Mike T look like he knows what he is talking about. Or prove Mike very wrong.
In all I think with Andrew we can match up with anyone with some being tougher than others (Celts, Spurs, Pistons) but not impossible in the playoffs. So lets play and see what happens in the real season.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | January 14, 2008 at 05:37 PM
Edwin
"Our biggest drawback right now is a sub for Kwame, we have only Ronnie and LO with decent height but small for a Center. "
Absolutely agree, this is where we have issues, Kwame is serviceable but after that, three other big men down and only Ronny has decent size although not much length.
Wes,
"His birthday is cursed. Wasn't at his B-day party that Kwame got entangled with a piece of cake? And now, one year later, on the same guy’s birthday, this happens?"
Was it Ronny's birthday last year that the Cake thing happened? I thought it was some random dude off the street's cake.
Posted by: Bynumite | January 14, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Our biggest drawback right now is a sub for Kwame, we have only Ronnie and LO with decent height but small for a Center. That vacant position has to be filled up. I go for imports Marc Gasol or Sofoklis Schorsanitis (was drafted by Clippers in '03 but never played with them). What we really need is D and R.? Don't expect the new C as an offensive threat or learn the triangle soonest.
We need another big I agree but we cannot get Sofoklis Schorsanitis
(was drafted by Clippers in '03 but never played with them) unless we trade for his rights.
The way it works if you take a player and draft him you own his rights for two years if he stays in USA If you don't sign him to the team in those two years, you lose his rights. If however you let the draft pick go overseas you own his rights indefinitely.
So unless we trade or buy his rights he is unavailable. Still has rights owned by Clippers. That leaves the best options as D league players or C Webb etc as options.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | January 14, 2008 at 06:12 PM
I've been reading the blog all day and nobody's mentioned that Kobe was named Player of the Week. I guess Laker Nation has bigger fish to fry than a mid-season award. Congrats to the Mamba, anyway!
Checking out Boston on League Pass tonight. Score is 53-49 with 4:08 to go in the third Q. as they battle the Wizards. Boston's announcer said that Bosto, San Antonio and Detroit are #1, 2 & 3 in fewest possessions per game. Seems like a major part of their "structure" is limiting the amount of possessions for themselves and other teams by utilizing most of the shot clock on offense and clogging the paint on defense. Very effective but boring as heck.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | January 14, 2008 at 06:19 PM
K Brothers,
I really wish you guys would have posted my karmic threat against Michael Teniente.
He's a vile jerk for wishing an injury upon a Laker.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 14, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Thanks for the clarification JustaLakerFan, that Greek Shaq is out then but he is good. P. J. Brown and Webber could really help the Lakers now.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 14, 2008 at 06:27 PM
Jon K,
Mike T. is a Norweigian Troll, he can make you sick just to push his man. In case his structured player does not compete, he already gave the excuse that Lakers will have tough schedule ahead. All eyes are now on Kwame, he has to learn to dunk starting tonite.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 14, 2008 at 06:31 PM
Seriously, we should sign ex-Bruin, ex-Laker Jelani McCoy to a 10-day contract.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 14, 2008 at 06:33 PM
People, calm down. The Lakers were not going to make the championship this year anyway. So without Bynum they lose a few games....and get a better draft pick to help next year.
Posted by: e. johnson | January 14, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Yeah, great, we get an 8 seed and a first-round humiliation, but at least we get the #20 pick as opposed to the #24 pick. WHHEEEE!
There is no way to sugarcoat this nightmare. We get to relive the same damn season we have had the last two years.
Posted by: Jman449 | January 14, 2008 at 04:44 PM
Sorry to disagree but I like the idea of a better draft pick as a 20 or 21 as opposed to a 26 pick. It also moves up in the second round were I think we have 2 picks there. Not sure about that but if anyone knows for sure please correct me or verify.
Next if you don't think we have a chance for championship this year then why play to get in the play offs when we could get an even better draft pick.
Sorry again but I think we can compete with anybody and as I stated near the beginning of the season I said we could win championship this year if things all fall into place. We play up to elite level or Celts or SA lose Garnett or Allen or Pierce to injury and if Duncan or Parker goes down. Nowinski in Dallas etc etc.
I think just elevating our level and gelling as a team at play offs is enough to get us over with hard work or injuries to others makes it easier.
Just my opinion and I stick by it.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | January 14, 2008 at 06:54 PM
Ed no problem on the clarification. I completely agree we need another Big signed to a 10 day contract or two and if works out can extend to end of year.
Also to those for wanting Marc Gasol we own his rights so there is no need to rush him in. Let him develop until he is ready. We can get another big with experience for the short term. As Ed said C Webb, PJ Brown. I would even consider Jelani McCoy or D Leager if that was best option.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | January 14, 2008 at 07:13 PM
People, calm down. The Lakers were not going to make the championship this year anyway. So without Bynum they lose a few games....and get a better draft pick to help next year.
Posted by: e. johnson | January 14, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Yeah, great, we get an 8 seed and a first-round humiliation, but at least we get the #20 pick as opposed to the #24 pick. WHHEEEE!
There is no way to sugarcoat this nightmare. We get to relive the same damn season we have had the last two years.
Posted by: Jman449 | January 14, 2008 at 04:44 PM
Sorry to disagree but I like the idea of a better draft pick as a 20 or 21 as opposed to a 26 pick. It also moves up in the second round were I think we have 2 picks there. Not sure about that but if anyone knows for sure please correct me or verify.
Next if you don't think we have a chance for championship this year then why play to get in the play offs when we could get an even better draft pick.
Sorry again but I think we can compete with anybody and as I stated near the beginning of the season I said we could win championship this year if things all fall into place. We play up to elite level or Celts or SA lose Garnett or Allen or Pierce to injury and if Duncan or Parker goes down. Nowinski in Dallas etc etc.
I think just elevating our level and gelling as a team at play offs is enough to get us over with hard work or injuries to others makes it easier.
Just my opinion and I stick by it.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | January 14, 2008 at 06:54 PM
Don't really know what your point is. Essentially, the draft is a crapshoot beyond about the #5 pick, the difference between the guy you get at 20 and the guy you get at 25 is that you get to pay the guy at #20 more guaranteed money.
Being the #7 or #8 seed means a path with SA, Dallas and Phoenix giving away the home court every round. We aren't going to last long in that setup.
Posted by: Jman449 | January 14, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Mike T is not posting for a reason. He knows he is going to look pretty bad in the next few games.
If by some miracle (and I really hope it happens) Kwame doesn't make a complete fool of himself, Mike will be back.
Posted by: frank1rizzo | January 15, 2008 at 01:53 PM
who said Kwame is a pro basketball player.. it's a shame..Lakers need to do somthing to add some decent players othewise it will be same boat like a last year... need to get rid of Kwame quickly .. I am a huge fan of Lakers,,the reason of having NBA pass on my TV,, but I can't watch Lakers hardly when Kwame plays because it upsets me too much.. why can he hold on to the ball ?
Posted by: beautykim | January 18, 2008 at 07:01 AM
I hope Lakers do something about Kwame and Luke and Odem... what a bunch horrible players... It is a shame they get pay what we only can dreame of in our life time for what !!.. 20 min playing and can't shoot, or hold on to the ball...
Posted by: beautykim | January 18, 2008 at 09:39 AM