When Andrew Bynum went down, I wrote that it would be great if he returned on the early end of the 8-12 week projection, but that nobody should count on it.  Recovery time from major injury is inherently difficult to predict, and certainly Drew's was a biggie.  So today's news that he wasn't cleared for contact, while disappointing, shouldn't come as a huge shock.  Until a guy is back on the floor and practicing, it's impossible to count on a return.  That's certainly my outlook, and whether or not PJ is pushing the party line, that's basically what he said before the game. "There's a sense of disappointment.  He's been looking good and practicing a little bit, but this is not unexpected.  He's had a little bit of swelling around that knee, persistent, for the last week or so, so it's probably a good decision to back him off a little bit." 

As for the time when Bynum might be back?  "I'm not going to speculate on that.  We'll just have to see how that goes." 

In other news:

• Luke Walton is going to give it a go tonight.  He did some running earlier in the day, and should be good to go.
• Trevor Ariza is getting more diagnostic work done tomorrow morning, so hopefully there will be fresh news on him before tomorrow night's game with the Hornets. 
• Chris Kaman is inactive for the Clippers tonight, but (on the odd chance you missed it) Elton Brand will play, as will Corey Maggette and Cuttino Mobley. 

AUDIO:

• Phil Jackson (also addresses how he might use Mihm and Mbenga, the importance of upcoming games, and various items of import): Download phil_jackson_4.10 preLAC.mp3